Fibers with chemical markers and physical features used for coding

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are fibers which contain identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a one or more of chemical markers and one or more distinct features, or taggants, which may vary among the fibers or be incorporated throughout all of the fibers. The chemical markers and distinct features can be representative of specific supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying chemical markers and distinct features and correlating the chemical markers and distinct features to manufacturer-specific taggants to determine supply chain information.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/018,222, filed Jun. 27, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/018,182 filed Jun. 27, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/018,192, filed Jun. 27, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/105,017 filed Jan. 19, 2015; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/105,011 filed Jan. 19, 2015; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/105,022 filed Jan. 19, 2015; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/164,135 filed May 20, 2015 each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate to fibers comprising identificationfibers. The identification fibers can contain a one or more of chemicalmarkers and one or more distinct features, or taggants, which may varyamong the fibers or be incorporated throughout all of the fibers. Thechemical markers and distinct features can be representative of specificsupply chain information. The supply chain information can be used totrack the fibers from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversionto final product, and/or the consumer. The disclosed embodiments alsorelate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers.Characterization of the fibers can include identifying chemical markersand distinct features and correlating the chemical markers and distinctfeatures to manufacturer-specific taggants to determine supply chaininformation.

BACKGROUND

Many industries have a need to mark, tag, or identify products thatallows for the tracking and tracing of products through the supplychain. One of the primary purposes for such track and trace systems isthe combating of illicit trade such as counterfeiting and black marketsales.

Anti-counterfeiting measures (ACMs) can be regarded as three differenttypes: Type I (Overt), Type II (Covert) and Type III (Forensic). Type IACMs are features incorporated into an article that are readilyidentified and observable to the naked eye. Examples include watermarks,color shifting inks, colored fibers, bands, or strips incorporated intothe article, and holograms. Type II ACMs are features that areincorporated into the article that require some form of instrument toidentify the feature in the field. The instruments required aregenerally those that are readily available and transportable. Someexamples include the incorporation of very small text (requiring the useof a magnifying glass), UV responsive inks or threads (requiringillumination with a UV light), and barcodes or RFID tags (requiring aspecialized reader). Type III ACMs are hidden attributes that requirespecialized laboratory equipment to identify. Some Type III examplesinclude nano-text, micro-taggants, DNA inks, and chemical additives.

As stated above, there are many widely-used packaging and labellingtaggants and anti-counterfeiting measures (ACMs) in many industries, butthese more overt solutions are often susceptible to countermeasures suchas destruction, modification, duplication, repackaging, or relabeling.Altering the chemical and physical properties of the raw materials of aproduct can provide a more covert solution that is much more difficultto evade. These taggants may be used to track the fibers through thesupply chain. The taggants may change the chemical and physicalproperties of the fibers, yarn, fiber bands, and/or derivative articlesin a manner that is difficult to copy or alter but is detectable usingstandard chemical and image analysis techniques.

There is a need to manufacture, test, and track fibers in yarn and/orfiber bands and their derivative articles across a wide spectrum ofindustries. The ability to identify the source of a yarn, fiber band,and/or an article comprising the yarn or fiber band can be achieved byembedding some form of a code in the fiber(s) during the manufacturingprocess that can then be later identified, retrieved, and used toidentify the yarn, fiber band and/or the article. Identification tagscan be incorporated into the yarn or fiber band that can denote, forexample, manufacturer, manufacture site, customer, and ship-to locationamong other supply chain information that might be useful for the trackand trace of the fiber band and/or article.

The disclosed exemplary embodiments can be used, for example, to combatthe continuing and growing illicit-trade problem of tobacco products,particularly cigarettes. It has been estimated that 10-12% of allcigarette sales are illicit, either counterfeit copies or sales thatavoid paying excise taxes on the cigarettes (Tobacco International,“Tackling Illicit Trade, Pt. I,” December 2013). To combat this illicittrading requires a global effort consisting of manufacturers,distributors, regulators and customs/law enforcement as well as theretailer who sell the cigarettes to the consumers. There is a need to beable to track and ultimately trace components used in the constructionof a cigarette. For example, the ability to track part of the supplychain path of acetate tow contained in the filter of a black marketcigarette may give helpful information on the source of these illicitcigarettes.

There is a need for a traceable acetate tow that is readilymanufactured, does not impact the performance of a cigarette filter, andis detectable, not only in an acetate tow band, but also in a single ora set of cigarettes/cigarette filters. There is a need for traceableacetate tow that does not impact the pressure drop and yield of acigarette filter. There is a need for traceable acetate tow thatmaintains its traceability when bloomed, plasticized, and formed into afilter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, fibers comprise identification fibers wherein (a) aportion of the identification fibers comprise 1 to 100 chemical markersand (b) a portion of the identification fibers exhibits at least onedistinct feature. The identification fibers comprise one or more groupsof distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or a same combination of thedistinct features. The amount of each of the chemical markers, based ona weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemical marker amount and atleast one of the chemical marker amounts corresponds to a taggantchemical marker amount. The number of the identification fibers in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fibercount and at least one of the fiber counts corresponds to a taggantfiber count. The chemical markers, the chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers, and the taggant fiber counts are representative of at least onesupply chain component of the fibers.

In further embodiments an acetate tow band comprises fibers comprisingidentification fibers. A portion of the identification fibers comprise 1to 100 chemical markers and a portion of the identification fibersexhibits at least one distinct feature. The identification fiberscomprise one or more groups of distinguishable identification fibers,each group of the distinguishable identification fibers being formed bythe identification fibers having the same distinct feature or a samecombination of the distinct features. The amount of each of the chemicalmarkers, based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemicalmarker amount and at least one of the chemical marker amountscorresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount. The number of theidentification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count and at least one ofthe fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count. The chemicalmarkers, the chemical marker amounts, the distinct features in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers, and the taggantfiber counts are representative of at least one supply chain componentof the acetate tow band.

In further embodiments, a method for making an acetate tow bandcomprises (a) obtaining the identification fibers; (b) producing thestandard fibers on a first fiber production process; and (c) combiningthe standard fibers with the identification fibers into the acetate towband. The acetate tow band comprises fibers comprising identificationfibers and standard fibers. The standard fibers comprise celluloseacetate. A portion of the identification fibers comprise 1 to 100chemical markers and a portion of the identification fibers exhibits atleast one distinct feature. The identification fibers comprise one ormore groups of distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or a same combination of thedistinct features. The amount of each of the chemical markers, based ona weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemical marker amount and atleast one of the chemical marker amounts corresponds to a taggantchemical marker amount. The number of the identification fibers in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fibercount and at least one of the fiber counts corresponds to a taggantfiber count. The chemical markers, the chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers, and the taggant fiber counts are representative of at least onesupply chain component of the acetate tow band.

In yet other embodiments, a method for characterizing a fiber samplecomprising fibers is disclosed. A portion of the identification fiberscomprise 1 to 100 chemical markers and a portion of the identificationfibers exhibits at least one distinct feature. The identification fiberscomprise one or more groups of distinguishable identification fibers,each group of the distinguishable identification fibers being formed bythe identification fibers having the same distinct feature or a samecombination of the distinct features. The method comprises chemicalanalysis and image analysis. The chemical analysis comprises: (1)dissolving the fiber sample in a solvent to produce a sample solutionand/or insolubles; (2) analyzing the sample solution and/or theinsoluble to identify the chemical markers and each of the chemicalmarker amounts. The image analysis comprises (1) applying imagingtechnology to the fiber sample, (2) detecting the groups of thedistinguishable identification fibers, and (3) counting a number of eachof the distinguishable identification fibers. The amount of each of thechemical markers, based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as achemical marker amount and at least one of the chemical marker amountscorresponds to a taggant chemical marker amounts. The number of theidentification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count and at least one ofthe fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count. The chemicalmarkers, the chemical marker amounts, the distinct features in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers, and the taggantfiber counts are representative of at least one supply chain componentof the fiber sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) illustrates a fiber band containing cellulose acetate fiberswith three cross-section shapes and 1(b) illustrates a stitched-togetherphotomicrograph of a filter rod of Example 242.

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of sets of identificationfibers that could be used to represent supply chain information.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate non-limiting examples of a multicomponentfiber spinpacks capable of producing multicomponent fibers withdifferent numbers of segments.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrates a non-limiting example of a polymer feedsystem which allows for ready exchange of polymers between segments ofmulticomponent fibers.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate non-limiting examples of communication andshipping channels among one or more entities consistent with disclosedembodiments

FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example of a computing system used byone or more entities consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for embeddingsupply chain information into fibers, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate non-limiting examples of processes forgenerating correlation data, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for producingidentification fibers, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for choosing oneor more manufacturing methods for producing identification fibers,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for identifyingsupply chain information from a sample, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for assigningcombinations of distinct features and taggant fiber counts to supplychain components, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forembedding supply chain information into fibers, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate additional non-limiting examples of processesfor generating correlation data, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forproducing identification fibers, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for choosing oneor more manufacturing methods for producing identification fibers,consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process foridentifying chemical markers from identification fibers, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for assigning,to supply chain components, combinations of chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts, and/or number of taggant chemical markeramounts that uniquely represent the supply chain components, consistentwith disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed embodiments provide fibers comprise identification fiberswherein (a) a portion of the identification fibers comprise 1 to 100chemical markers and (b) a portion of the identification fibers exhibitsat least one distinct feature. The identification fibers comprise one ormore groups of distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or a same combination of thedistinct features. The amount of each of the chemical markers, based ona weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemical marker amount and atleast one of the chemical marker amounts corresponds to a taggantchemical marker amount. The number of the identification fibers in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fibercount and at least one of the fiber counts corresponds to a taggantfiber count. The chemical markers, the chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers, and the taggant fiber counts are representative of at least onesupply chain component of the fibers.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

It is to be understood that the mention of one or more process stepsdoes not preclude the presence of additional process steps before orafter the combined recited steps or intervening process steps betweenthose steps expressly identified. Moreover, the lettering of processsteps or ingredients is a convenient means for identifying discreteactivities or ingredients and the recited lettering can be arranged inany sequence, unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

The term “fibers”, as used herein, refers to thin flexible threadlikeobjects. Fibers can be natural fibers or man-made. The term “polymer”,as used herein refers to the base material from which the fibers aremade. Non-limiting examples of polymers include acrylic, modacrylic,aramid, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, rayon, polyacrylonitrile,polyethylene, PTFE, and cellulose acetate. The term “filament”, as usedherein, refers to a single fiber. The term “fiber band”, as used herein,refers to multiple fibers placed adjacent to each other along theirlengths such that the fibers remain untwisted or entangled and form asubstantially rectangular cross section with a high width-to-depthratio. Fiber bands are often formed to allow for effective crimping ofthe fibers and can be cut into a staple or processed as a continuousband, depending on the end use. Fiber bands are typically not woven orknitted into a fabric article unless first converted into staple to forma thread. Fibers can also be in the form of yarn. The term “yarn”, asused herein, refers to multiple fibers placed adjacent to each otheralong their lengths, often twisted or entangled together to improvefiber cohesiveness and performance, and typically forming asubstantially rounded cross section. Yarn can be processed as continuousstrands or cut into smaller lengths, depending on the end use.

Fibers can be identification fibers and/or standard fibers. The term“standard fibers”, as used herein, refers to fibers which aremanufactured for the primary purpose and use in producing articles.Standard fibers have not been purposefully manipulated to comprisechemical markers or distinct features used to identify and track thestandard fibers, yarn, a fiber band, and/or an article comprisingstandard fibers. The term “identification fibers”, as used herein,refers to the fibers having chemical markers or distinct features thatcan be used to identify and track the fibers, yarn, or fiber band.Identification fibers can be all of the fibers, or alternatively,identification fibers can be a subset of the fibers in the fibers, yarn,or fiber band.

The term “chemical markers”, as used herein, refers to chemicalcompounds added to, or inherent in, the fibers for identificationpurposes. Non-limiting examples of chemical markers include non-volatileorganic compounds, photoluminescent materials, polymeric additives,carbohydrates, metal oxides, inorganic salts, optical isomers,isotopically labeled molecules, and trace chemicals inherent to themanufacturer of the fibers and/or fiber raw materials. The term “taggantchemical markers”, as used herein, refers to a collection of chemicalmarkers used by one or more entity (e.g., manufacturer) in a system forembedding and/or determining standard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber bandsupply chain information.

The term “chemical marker amount”, as used herein, refers to the amountof a chemical marker present in the fibers, yarn, fiber band, and/orarticle based on the weight of the fibers. The fibers can includeidentification fibers and/or standard fibers. The term of “taggantchemical marker amount”, as used herein, refers to the collection ofchemical marker amounts which can be used by one or more entity (e.g.,manufacturer) in a system for embedding and/or determining standardfibers, yarn, fiber band, and/or article supply chain information.

The term “photoluminescent materials” as used herein, refers to eitherphotoluminescent compounds or absorbent dyes. The concentration of thephotoluminescent may be so small as to not be observed by image analysisand yet be detectable via chemical analysis, for example, spectroscopy.

The term “isotopically labeled molecules”, as used herein, refers tomolecules synthesized with higher levels of stable isotopes thannormally found in nature. Non-limiting examples of stable isotopesinclude carbon (¹²C/¹³C), oxygen (¹⁶O/¹⁸O), sulfur (³²S/³⁴S) andnitrogen (¹⁴N/¹⁵N).

The term “trace chemicals inherent to the manufacture”, as used herein,refers to chemical markers incorporated into a product via, for example,raw materials or processing aids. The term “trace chemicals inherent tothe manufacture of polymer”, as used herein, refers to chemical markersincorporated into the polymer during the polymer manufacture via, forexample, raw materials or processing aids. The term “trace chemicalsinherent to the manufacture of fibers”, as used herein, refers tochemical markers incorporated into the fiber during the fibermanufacture via, for example, raw materials or processing aids. The term“trace chemicals inherent in the manufacture of a fiber band”, as usedherein, refers to chemical markers incorporated into the fiber bandduring the fiber band manufacture via, for example, raw materials orprocessing aids.

The term, “polymer”, as used herein, refers to the resin or materialused to make the fiber. The polymer can comprise synthetic or naturalmaterial. The term “average molecular weight”, as used herein, refers tothe number or weight average molecular weight of a polymer or polymericadditive. The term “spinning solvent”, as used herein, refers to thematerial in which a polymer can be solubilized, wherein the solution ofpolymer and spinning solvents can be extruded into a fiber.

The term “multicomponent fibers”, as used herein, are fibers whichcontain 2 or more distinguishable segments per filament.

The term “distinct features”, as used herein, refers to variances amongfibers that can be identified using imaging technology. Non-limitingexamples of distinct features include cross-section shapes,cross-section sizes, optical properties, and surface markings. Formulticomponent fibers, non-limiting examples of distinct features alsoinclude segment counts, segment shapes, segment sizes, segmentgeometrical relationships, and segment pointers. The term “combinationof distinct features”, as used herein, refers to the two or moredistinct features exhibited by an identification fiber.

The term “distinguishable identification fibers”, as used herein, refersto identification fibers having the same distinct feature or combinationof distinct features. The term a “group of the distinguishableidentification fibers”, as used herein, refers to one or more filamentsof the distinguishable identification fibers. The term “referencefiber”, as used herein, refers to a particular distinguishableidentification fiber that can be used, for example, to calibratedistinct features, such as cross-section size, of other distinguishableidentification fibers. The identification fibers consist of all of thegroups of the distinguishable identification fibers.

The term “fiber counts”, as used herein, refers to the number of each ofthe distinguishable identification fibers that are physically present inthe fibers, yarn, fiber bands, and/or article. The term “taggant fibercounts”, as used herein, refers to the collection of fiber countalternatives for each of the distinguishable identification fibers whichcan be established used by one or more entity (e.g., manufacturer) in asystem for embedding and/or determining standard fibers, yarn, fiberband, and/or article supply chain information.

The term, “cross-section shapes”, as used herein, refers to the contoursof fibers when viewed on the plane cutting through the fibers at rightangles to their length. The term “taggant cross-section shapes”, as usedherein refers to a collection of cross-section shapes used by one ormore entity (e.g., manufacturer) in a system for embedding and/ordetermining standard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber band supply chaininformation. Reference cross-section shape refers to the cross-sectionshape of the reference fiber.

The term, “cross-section sizes”, as used herein, refers to thequantitative dimension of fibers when viewed on the plane cuttingthrough the fibers at right angles to their length. For a circularcross-section shape, the cross-section size can be the diameter of thecross-section. For a noncircular cross-section shape, the area of thecross-section can be determined and the cross-section size can becharacterized as the effective diameter. The effective diameter is thecorresponding diameter of a circular cross-section having the same area.For noncircular cross sections, the cross section size can also becharacterized by the circumcised diameter, defined as the diameter ofthe smallest circle that can completely encompass the cross section. Theterm “taggant cross-section sizes”, as used herein refers to acollection of cross-section sizes used by one or more entity (e.g.,manufacturer) in a system for embedding and/or determining standardfibers, yarn, and/or fiber band supply chain information. Referencecross-section size refers to the cross-section size of the referencefiber.

The term, “optical properties”, as used herein, refers toelectromagnetic radiation responses observed when the fibers and/orsegments of multicomponent fibers are exposed to a specificelectromagnetic radiation sources. The term includes color which can beobserved with the human eye as well as with an instrument such as onecapable of identifying a spectrophotometric signature. Non-limitingexamples of electromagnetic radiation include x-ray, ultraviolet,visible light, infrared, and so-called “T-ray” (terahertz frequencies).The term “taggant optical properties”, as used herein refers to acollection of known optical properties used by one or more manufacturerin a system for determining fibers, fiber band, and/or yarn supply chaininformation.

The term, “surface markings”, as used herein, refers to variances in thefibers produced by physically altering the fiber surface. Non-limitingexamples include notches in the fiber, scoring or etching of the fiber,bubbles or other morphological change on the fiber surface, barcodesprinted on the fiber, and intermittent bleaching of the fiber to producea pattern of optical properties. The term “taggant surface markings”, asused herein refers to a collection of known surface markings used by oneor more manufacturer in a system for determining fiber band supply chaininformation.

The term, “segment counts”, as used herein, refers to the numbers ofsegments present in each of the multicomponent fibers. Multicomponentfibers with different segment counts are distinguishable identificationfibers. The term “taggant segment counts”, as used herein, refers to acollection of segment counts for each of the distinguishablemulticomponent fibers which can be used by one or more entity (e.g.,manufacturer) in a system for embedding and/or determining standardfibers, yarn, fiber band, and/or article supply chain information.

The term, “segment shapes”, as used herein, refers to the cross-sectionshape of segments within a multicomponent fiber. The term “taggantsegment shapes”, as used herein, refers to a collection of cross-sectionshapes used by one or more entity (e.g., manufacturer) in a system forembedding and/or determining standard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber bandsupply chain information.

The term, “segment sizes”, as used herein, refers to the cross-sectionsize of segments within a multicomponent fiber. The term “taggantsegment sizes”, as used herein, refers to a collection of cross-sectionsizes used by one or more entity (e.g., manufacturer) in a system forembedding and/or determining standard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber bandsupply chain information.

The term, “segment geometrical relationships”, as used herein, refers tothe relative location of one or more segments of a multicomponent fiber.The term “taggant geometrical relationships”, as used herein refers to acollection of geometrical relationships used by one or more manufacturerin a system for determining fibers, fiber band, and/or yarn supply chaininformation.

The term “segment pointers” as used herein, refers to physical featuresof the multicomponent fiber used to give orientation for assessing thegeometrical relationship of segments. The term “taggant segmentpointers”, as used herein refers to a collection of segment pointersused by one or more manufacturer in a system for determining fibers,fiber band, and/or yard chain information.

The term “majority of fibers”, as used herein, refers to greater than 50percent of the fibers in the yarn or fiber band based on the totalnumber of fibers.

The term “total identification fibers number”, as used herein, refers tothe sum of each of the distinguishable identification fibers in the yarnor fiber band. The term “taggant total identification fibers number”, asused herein, refers to the total number of distinguishableidentification fibers used by one or more entity (e.g., manufacturer) ina system for embedding and/or determining fibers, fiber band, and/oryarn supply chain information.

The term, “cellulose acetate”, as used herein, refers to an acetateester of cellulose wherein the hydrogen in the hydroxyl groups of thecellulose glucose unit is replaced by acetyl groups through anacetylation reaction. In some embodiments, suitable cellulose acetatesmay have a degree of substitution less than about 3 acetyl groups perglucose unite, preferably in the range of 2.2 to about 2.8, and mostpreferably in the range of 2.4 to 2.7.

The terms, “cellulose acetate tow” or “acetate tow”, as used herein,refers to a continuous, crimped fiber band comprised of celluloseacetate fibers. The term “cellulose acetate yarn, as used herein, refersto a continuous uncrimped fiber band comprised of cellulose acetatefibers.

The term, “article”, as used herein, refers to a unit produced fromstandard fibers, yarn, and/or a fiber band, including other componentsand additives needed to meet the functional requirements of the intendeduse. Non-limiting examples include, fabrics and other textile products,non-wovens, absorbent products, filters, filter rods, cigarette filtersand liquid storage reservoirs. The term “article comprising fibers,yarn, or fiber bands”, as used herein, refers to the article comprisingthe fibers, yarn, or fiber bands with a recognition that, in someembodiments, significant physical changes can occur to the fibers, yarn,or fiber band when it is used to make an article.

The term, “filter”, as used herein refers to a semi-permeable fibrousmaterial. Non-limiting examples of filters include a filter rod, anditems made from a filter rod such as a cigarette filter. The term“filter rod”, as used herein, refers to a cylindrical article, of anycross-sectional shape, produced from a fiber band and other componentsor additives, which can be subsequently used as a whole unit, or cutinto lengths to form multiple units, for filtration of a vapor stream.Filter rods can be used to filter tobacco products, for example,traditional cigarette filters and/or other applications for othertobacco products including heat-not-burn products. Filter rods can alsobe used for new products comprising tobacco and other ingredients suchas, for example, other plants or plant derivatives. Filter rods can beused to filter other plants and plant derivatives, with or withouttobacco present. Additionally filter rods can be used to filter anyvapor stream used to deliver an active ingredient such as ine-cigarette.

The term, “cigarette filter”, as used herein, refers to a component ofthe cigarette or other smoking device which removes or decreases one ormore elements from a smoke stream. The term cigarette filter is intendedto encompass the filter on any smoking device including the non-limitingexamples of a cigarette, a cigarette holder, a cigar, a cigar holder, apipe, a water pipe, a hookah, an electronic smoking device, aroll-your-own cigarette, a roll-your-own cigar, cigarette filter tube,and heat-not-burn cigarettes.

The term, “supply chain information” as used herein, refers toinformation regarding the production of the standard fibers, yarn,and/or fiber band and information regarding the distribution of thestandard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber band after its production. Supplychain information includes “supply chain components” such as, forexample, manufacturer, manufacture site, manufacture line, productionrun, production date, package, bale, customer, customer ship-tolocation, warehouses, freight carrier, and/or shipment paths or routes.Supply chain components can apply to fibers, yarn, fiber bands, and/orarticles.

The term, “manufacturer”, as used herein, refers to the entity thatproduces the standard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber band.

The term “manufacture site”, as used herein, refers to the geographiclocation or locations of the manufacturer, designated by any level ofspecificity including full address, continent, country, state, province,county, or city.

The term “manufacture line”, as used herein, refers to specific processequipment or set of equipment used by the manufacturer to produce thestandard fibers, yarn, and/or fiber band.

The term “production run”, as used herein, refers to a group or set ofsimilar or related goods that are produced by using a particular set ofmanufacturing procedures, processes, or conditions, and/or productspecifications.

The term “customer”, as used herein, refers to an entity to which thefibers, yarn, or fiber band is sold and shipped for further processinginto an intermediate article or a finished product article; or an entitythat purchases the yarn or fiber band for resale.

The term, “ship-to location”, as used herein, refers to the geographiclocation of the customer designated for delivery of the fibers, yarn, orfiber band by any level of specificity including full address,continent, country, state, province, county, or city.

The term, “bale” as used herein, refers to a packaged unit of fiberbands, typically of a cubical shape, compressed to a high density, andwrapped, contained, and protected by packaging material.

The term, “warehouse” as used herein, refers to the geographicallocation of the warehouse designated for delivery of the fibers, yarn,or fiber band by any level of specificity including full address,continent, country, state, province, country, or city.

The term, “correlating”, as used herein refers to establishing therelationship between two or more pieces of information.

The term, “manufacturer specific taggants”, as used herein, refers tothe particular taggants incorporated into fibers, a yarn, or a fiberband by a particular manufacturer. The term, “manufacturer specifictaggant set” refers to the taggant chemical markers associated with aparticular manufacturer.

The term, “fibers are produced”, “producing fibers”, and “fiberproduction process”, as used herein, refers to the process steps ofspinning fibers up through the gathering of the fibers into fiber bands.

The term, “identification fibers are packaged”, as used herein, refersto the process steps of transferring identification fibers from thespinning machine and packaging the identification fibers, for example,onto a spool or into a bale. The identification fibers can subsequentlyneed to be removed from the package in order to be incorporated intofibers, a yarn, or a fiber band comprising standard fibers.

The term, “spinning solution”, as used herein, refers to the material tobe spun. Non-limiting examples of a spinning solution can be a melt ofthe polymer for melt spinning or the fiber material dissolved in asolvent for dry or wet spinning.

The term, “crimper coolants”, as used herein, refers to liquids appliedto the fiber band at the crimper for the purpose of mitigating the heatcaused by friction and/or improving processability.

The term, “chemical analysis”, as used herein, refers to the equipmentand techniques used to identify and/or characterize chemical substances.

The term, “spinneret hole geometry”, as used herein, refers to theoverall structure of the spinneret hole which can be described mostcompletely and generally, although not exclusively, by the cross-sectionshape and size of the hole at any point in its line through thespinneret. The term, “distinguishable spinneret hole”, as used herein,refers to the spinneret hole with a distinguishable spinneret holegeometry. Each of the distinguishable identification fibers are producedusing the same distinguishable spinneret hole geometry. The term“reference spinneret holes”, as used herein, refers to the spinneretholes used to produce the reference fibers.

The term, “multicomponent fiber spinpack”, as used herein refers to amechanical system comprising two or more polymer inlets, polymerdistribution plates, and polymer outlets wherein the polymer outlets areconfigured to produce multicomponent fibers. The term “fiber sample”, asused herein, refers to the item comprising fibers, in any physical form,being analyzed using imaging technology. The fiber sample can comprise aportion of a set of fibers, yarn, a fiber band, or an article which hasbeen prepared for image analysis.

The terms, “imaging technology”, and “image analysis techniques” as usedherein, refer to the equipment and software used to detect and quantifydifferences in reflection, absorption, transmission, and emittance ofelectromagnetic radiation. Imaging technology encompasses bothelectromagnetic radiation level detection and automated shape and/orsize recognition.

The term, “fibers are incorporated into a matrix”, as used herein refersto the immobilizing at least some of the fibers, yarns, a fiber band, oran article, typically in a polymer that will not interfere with testing.

Fibers, yarns, or a fiber band comprises individual fibers. The materialfrom which the fibers are made is not particularly limiting. The fiberscan comprise, for example, acrylic, modacrylic, aramid, nylon,polyester, polypropylene, rayon, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene, PTFE,or cellulose acetate. In one aspect, the fibers comprise celluloseacetates, cellulose triacetates, cellulose propionates, cellulosebutyrates, cellulose acetate-propionates, cellulose acetate-butyrates,cellulose propionate-butyrates, cellulose acetate-phthalates, starchacetates, acrylonitriles, vinyl chlorides, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers,and the like, any derivative thereof, any copolymer thereof, and anycombination thereof. In one aspect, the fibers comprise celluloseacetate. In one aspect, the fibers comprise natural fibers such as, forexample, cotton, hemp, and silk.

The fibers, yarn, or fiber band comprises one or more identificationfibers and standard fibers. Fibers are typically produced from apolymer. In one aspect, one or more of the identification fiberscomprise the same polymer as the standard fibers in the fibers, yarn, orfiber band. In another aspect, one or more of the identification fiberscomprise a different material than the standard fibers in the fibers,yarn, or fiber band.

The size of the individual fibers is not particularly limiting. The sizecan be given in terms of effective diameter, and in one aspect, theeffective diameter of the fibers range from, for example, 0.1 μm to 1000μm, 1 μm to 500 μm, 1 μM to 100 μM, 1 μM to 30 μm, 10 μm to 1000 μm, 10μm to 500 μm, 10 μm to 100 μm, 10 μm to 30 μm. In one aspect, the fiberscomprise cellulose acetate for which size is often given in terms ofdenier per filament (dpf) which is defined as the weight, in grams, of asingle filament 9000 meters in length. In one aspect, the size of thefibers ranges from 0.5 to 1000 dpf; 0.5 to 500 dpf; 0.5 to 100; 0.5 to 5dpf; 0.5 to 30 dpf; 0.5 to 10 dpf; 1 to 1000 dpf; 1 to 500 dpf; 1 to100; 1 to 5 dpf; 1 to 30 dpf; 1 to 10 dpf. In one aspect, the dpf of thefibers ranges from, for example, 1 to 30 dpf, 1 to 20 dpf, 1 to 10 dpf,2 to 30 dpf, 2 to 20 dpf, or 2 to 10 dpf.

The number of fibers making up a fibers, yarn, or fiber band is notparticularly limiting. In one aspect, the number of fibers in a yarn orfiber band may range from 10 to 50,000. In other non-limiting examples,the number of fibers in a yarn or fiber band ranges from 10 to 40,000;10 to 30,000; 10 to 20,000; 10 to 10,000; 10 to 1000; 100 to 50,000; 100to 40,000; 100 to 30,000; 100 to 20,000; 100 to 10,000; 100 to 1000; 200to 50,000; 200 to 40,000; 200 to 30,000; 200 to 20,000; 200 to 10,000;200 to 1000; 1000 to 50,000; 1000 to 40,000; 1000 to 30,000; 1000 to20,000; 1000 to 10,000; 5000 to 50,000; 5000 to 40,000; 5000 to 30,000;5000 to 20,000; 5000 to 10,000; 10,000 to 50,000; 10,000 to 40,000;10,000 to 30,000; or 10,000 to 20,000.

In the disclosed embodiments, each identification fiber can comprise atleast one chemical marker, exhibit at least one distinct feature, orcomprise at least one chemical marker and exhibit at least one distinctfeature.

The fibers, yarn, or fiber band comprises fibers, wherein the fiberscomprise one or more identification fibers wherein the identificationfibers comprise 1 to 100 chemical markers. In other aspects, the numberof chemical markers ranges from 1 to 50, 1 to 20, 1 to 15, or 1 to 10,or 1 to 5, or 1 to 3.

In one aspect, essentially all of the fibers in the yarn or fiber bandare identification fibers comprising at least one chemical marker. Inthis aspect, the identification fibers can be distinguishable fromfibers in a different yarn or fiber band. In another aspect, one or moreidentification fibers comprising at least one chemical marker aredistinguishable from the majority of fibers in the same yarn or fiberband. In yet another aspect, the number of identification fiberscomprising at least one chemical marker ranges from 0.001 to 100 percentof the fibers; or 0.01 to 50 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 25percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 10 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 5percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 1 percent of the fibers, each based onthe total number of fibers. In another aspect, the number ofidentification fibers ranges from 0.01 to 100 percent of the fibers; or1 to 100 percent of the fibers; or 25 to 100 percent of the fibers; or50 to 100 percent of the fibers; or 30 to 80 percent of the fibers.

In one aspect, unique chemical markers are used to tag fiber products.The chemical markers can be manipulated to provide unique code.Different types of chemical markers can be applied in different amountsto increase the number of unique codes available.

A portion of the identification fibers comprise chemical markers. In oneaspect, the chemical markers can include non-volatile organic compounds,photoluminescent materials, polymeric additives, carbohydrates, metaloxides, inorganic salts, optical isomers, isotopically labeledmolecules, and/or trace chemicals inherent to the manufacturer of thefiber band, the fibers and/or the polymer which is produced into thefibers. In one aspect, the chemical markers can include one or moretaggant non-volatile organic compounds, one or more taggantphotoluminescent materials, one or more taggant polymeric additives, oneor more taggant carbohydrates, one or more taggant metal oxides, one ormore taggant inorganic salts, one or more taggant optical isomers, oneor more taggant isotopically labeled molecules, and one or more tagganttrace chemicals inherent to the manufacturer of the fiber band, thefibers, and/or the polymer.

In one aspect, non-volatile organic compounds can be used as a taggant.In one aspect, one or more of the chemical markers comprise one or moretaggant nonvolatile organic compounds. In one aspect the number oftaggant non-volatile compounds ranges from 1 to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1to 5, or 1 to 3. In one aspect, the taggant nonvolatile organiccompounds can comprise fatty acids. In one aspect, the taggantnonvolatile organic compounds can comprise lauric acid, palmitic acid,or stearic acid.

In one aspect, photoluminescent materials can be used as a taggant. Inone aspect, one or more of the chemical markers comprise one or moretaggant photoluminescent materials. In one aspect the number of taggantphotoluminescent materials ranges from 1 to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1 to5, or 1 to 3. Non-limiting examples of photoluminescent materialsinclude organic dyes, organometallic phosphorescent compounds, inorganicfluorescent/phosphorescent molecules, organic fluorescent molecules,inorganic quantum dots, organic quantum dots. In one aspect, the taggantphotoluminescent materials comprise phosphorescent quantum dots. In oneaspect, the phosphorescent quantum dots comprise Cd/Se ligand stabilizedfluorescent nano-crystals.

In one aspect, polymeric additives can be used as a taggant. In oneaspect, one or more chemical markers comprise one or more taggantpolymeric additives. In one aspect, the number of taggant polymericadditives ranges from 1 to 50, 1 to 5, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. Thetaggant polymeric additives can be identified based on polymeric contentand/or molecular weight. In one aspect, one or more taggant polymericadditives comprises the polymer from which the fibers are produced. Inthis aspect, the taggant polymeric additive is distinguishable basedupon the differences in molecular weight. In one aspect, one or moretaggant polymeric additives are soluble in the spinning solution. In oneaspect, taggant polymeric additives comprise polystyrene with an averagemolecular weight ranging from 500 to 20,000,000. In other aspects,taggant polymeric additives comprise polystyrene with an averagemolecular weight ranging from 500 to 500,000, or 1,000 to 100,000.

In one aspect, carbohydrates can be used as a taggant. In one aspect,one or more of the chemical markers comprise one or more taggantcarbohydrates. In one aspect, the number of taggant carbohydrates rangesfrom 50 to 1, 25 to 1, 10 to 1, 5 to 1, or 3 to 1. One or more taggantcarbohydrates can comprise, for example, glucose, fructose, sucrose,and/or lactose.

In one aspect, metal oxides can be used as a taggant. In one aspect, oneor more of the chemical markers comprise one or more taggant metaloxides. In one aspect, the number of taggant metal oxides ranges from 1to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. One or more taggant metaloxides can comprise, for example, titanium dioxide, zirconium oxides,zinc oxides, aluminum oxides, manganese oxides, magnesium oxides,calcium oxides, tin oxides, vanadium oxides, nickel oxides and/or ironoxides. In another example, one or more taggant metal oxides cancomprise titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxides.

In one aspect, inorganic salts can be used as a taggant. In one aspect,one or more chemical markers can comprise one or more taggant inorganicsalts. In one aspect, the number of taggant inorganic salts ranges from1 to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. Non-limiting examples oftaggant inorganic salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium,and/or calcium. In one aspect, the taggant inorganic salts comprisesalts of cesium, indium, or samarium.

In one aspect, optical isomers can be used as a taggant. In one aspect,one or more chemical markers can comprise one or more taggant opticalisomers. In one aspect, the number of taggant optical isomers rangesfrom 1 to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3.

In one aspect, isotopically labeled molecules can be used as thetaggant. In one aspect, one or more chemical markers can comprise one ormore taggant isotopically labeled molecules. In one aspect, the numberof taggant isotopically labeled molecules ranges from 1 to 50, 1 to 25,1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. One skilled in the art recognizes that, forexample, ¹⁴C or ¹⁸O can be inserted into molecules that can be added tothe polymer, the fibers, or the fiber band.

In one aspect, trace chemicals inherent to the manufacture of the fiberband, fibers, and/or polymer can be used as a taggant. In one aspect,one or more of the chemical markers comprise one or more taggant tracechemicals. In one aspect, the number of taggant trace chemicals rangesfrom 1 to 50, 1 to 25, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. In one aspect, one ormore taggant trace chemicals are incorporated into the fibers, yarn, orfiber band through the polymer, a spinning solvent, utilities (e.g.,water, plant nitrogen), and/or processing aids.

In one aspect, the amount of one or more chemical markers ranges from 1ppb to 10,000 ppm of the fibers. In other examples, the amount of one ormore chemical markers ranges from 1 ppb to 5000 ppm; 1 ppb to 1000 ppm;1 ppb to 500 ppm; 1 ppb to 100 ppm; 1 ppb to 10 ppm; 1 ppb to 1 ppm; 1ppb to 500 ppb; 1 ppb to 100 ppb; 10 ppb to 10,000 ppm; 10 ppb to 5000ppm; 10 ppb to 1000 ppm; 10 ppb to 500 ppm; 10 ppb to 100 ppm; 10 ppb to10 ppm; 10 ppb to 1 ppm; 10 ppb to 500 ppb; 10 ppb to 100 ppb; 100 ppbto 10,000 ppm; 100 ppb to 5000 ppm; 100 ppb to 1000 ppm; 100 ppb to 500ppm; 100 ppb to 100 ppm; 100 ppb to 10 ppm; 100 ppb to 1 ppm; 100 ppb to500 ppb; 500 ppb to 10,000 ppm; 500 ppb to 5000 ppm; 500 ppb to 1000ppm; 500 ppb to 500 ppm; 500 ppb to 100 ppm; 500 ppb to 10 ppm; 500 ppbto 1 ppm; 1 ppm to 10,000 ppm; 1 ppm to 5000 ppm; 1 ppm to 1000 ppm; 1ppm to 500 ppm; 1 ppm to 100 ppm; 1 ppm to 10 ppm; 10 ppm to 10,000 ppm;10 ppm to 5000 ppm; 10 ppm to 1000 ppm; 10 ppm to 500 ppm; 10 ppm to 100ppm; 100 ppm to 10,000 ppm; 100 ppm to 5000 ppm; 100 ppm to 1000 ppm;and/or 100 ppm to 500 ppm of the fibers.

In one aspect, one or more of chemical marker amounts corresponds to ataggant chemical marker amounts. In other words, for a particularchemical marker, a specific amount of chemical marker (a taggantchemical marker amount) is included in the fibers. One skilled in theart recognizes that the measured chemical marker amount and the taggantchemical marker amount may not be exactly the same due to measurementand other sources of variability. Therefore, “chemical marker amountcorresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount” means that the chemicalmarker amount is sufficiently close to indicate the presence of thetaggant chemical marker amount. The taggant chemical marker amounts foreach of the chemical markers can be selected from all of the chemicalmarker amounts listed above. Also, the number of taggant chemical markeramounts can be the same or different for each chemical marker amount.The number of taggant chemical marker amounts is selected, in part,based upon the ability to manufacture and reliably detect discreteamounts of each of the chemical markers. In one aspect, the number oftaggant chemical markers ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5,2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 4 to 20, 4 to 15,or 4 to 10

In the disclosed embodiments, each identification fiber can comprise atleast one chemical marker, exhibit at least one distinct feature, orcomprise at least one chemical marker and exhibit at least one distinctfeature. Identification fibers exhibiting at least one distinct featureare distinguishable identification fibers.

In one aspect, the distinct features can include cross-section shapes,cross-section sizes, optical properties, segment counts, segmentgeometrical relationships, and/or segment pointers. The distinctfeatures can be used alone or in any combination. In one aspect, thedistinct features can include taggant cross-section shapes, taggantcross-section sizes, taggant optical properties, and/or taggant segmentcounts, taggant segment geometrical relationships, and/or taggantsegment pointers.

In one aspect, the distinct features can include cross-section shapes.In another aspect, the distinct features can include cross-sectionsizes. In another aspect, the distinct features can includecross-section shapes and cross-section sizes. In one aspect, distinctfeatures are representative of at least one supply chain component offibers, yarn, fiber band, and/or an article. In one aspect, the distinctfeatures in each group of the distinguishable identification fibers andthe fiber counts are representative of at least one supply chaincomponent of fibers, yarn, fiber band, and/or an article.

In one aspect, the identification fibers exhibit 1 to 50 distinctfeatures. In other aspects, the number of distinct features ranges from1 to 20, 1 to 15, or 1 to 10, or 1 to 5, 1 to 3, 2 to 50, 2 to 20, 2 to15, 2 to 10, 2 to 5, 3 to 50, 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 5, 4 to50, 4 to 20, 4 to 15, or 4 to 10.

In one aspect, fiber cross-section shapes can be used as the taggant. Inone aspect, distinct features comprise one or more cross-section shapes.Cross-section shapes vary such that either the human eye or an imageanalysis technique can differentiate shapes. For example, two shapes aresignificantly different when compared to the variability among thefibers of either cross-section shape. In one aspect, a fiber bandcomprises one or more identification fibers with one or more taggantcross-section shapes. In one aspect, the number of taggant cross-sectionshapes ranges from 1 to 50. In other aspects, the number of taggantcross-section shapes ranges from 1 to 20, 1 to 15, or 1 to 10, or 1 to5, 1 to 3, 2 to 50, 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 5, 3 to 50, 3 to 20,3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 5, 4 to 50, 4 to 20, 4 to 15, or 4 to 10.

In one aspect, the number of identification fibers with distinctfeatures which comprise one or more taggant cross-section shapes rangesfrom 0.01 to 100 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 50 percent of thefibers; for 0.01 to 25 percent of the fibers; for 0.01 to 10 percent ofthe fibers; or 0.01 to 5 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 1 percent ofthe fibers.

Many cross-section shapes have been commercialized for various fibertypes, materials, and processes. These shapes are most typicallygoverned and created by altering the shape of the hole in the extrusionjet or spinneret used in the fiber production process. In a dry spinningprocess, like that of cellulose acetate in an acetone “dope” solution, anumber of unique fiber cross-section shapes can be obtained through theuse of various spinneret hole geometries. The variety anddistinctiveness of the cross-section shapes are enhanced due to theshrinkage of the cross section as the acetone evaporates. Many of theseshapes are sufficiently unique and differentiated such that they can beeasily identified and/or counted in fiber bands, and/or acetate towbands, either by the human eye with the aid of magnification, or withautomated image analysis techniques.

For some fiber applications, the fiber cross-section shape is notcritical to the functionality of an article made from the fibers, yarn,or fiber band. For these applications, the number of taggantcross-section shapes and the number of identification fibers havingdifferent taggant cross-section shapes are not particularly limited. Forother fiber applications, however, the fiber cross-section shape is usedto impart functionality to an article made from the fibers, yarn, orfiber band. For these applications, the number of taggant cross-sectionshapes and/or the number of identification fibers having differenttaggant cross-section shapes may be smaller. One skilled in the art canselect the number of taggant cross-section shapes and the number ofidentification fibers having distinct features of taggant cross-sectionshapes so as to enable determination of the supply chain informationwithout significantly impacting article properties.

In the application of filter rods and/or cigarette filters comprisingacetate tow, the total number of identification fibers may be limited bythe impact of the taggant cross-section shape on final productperformance, particularly yield, defined as the pressure drop that canbe obtained for a certain weight of product in the filter. By far, themost common shape used for acetate tow in cigarette filtration is the Ycross section (made from an equilateral triangular spinneret holegeometry) and the most common shape used for acetate yarn is multi-lobed(made from a circular or octagonal spinneret hole geometry). As thenumber of non-Y shape fibers increases, the impact (positive ornegative) on yield may materially impact article functionality. Onemethod, among others, for compensating for this yield shift is adjustingthe average denier per filament (dpf) of the fibers.

Non-limiting examples of cross-section shapes include crescent, dogbone,triangle, square, pacman, multilobe, X-shaped, Y-shaped, H-shaped.Non-limiting examples of spinneret hole geometries used to make variouscross-section shapes include triangle, circle, rectangle, square,flattened round, trapezoid, hexagon, pentagon, and D-shaped. In anotheraspect, spinneret hole geometry is selected from the group consisting ofcircle, rectangle, square, flattened round, trapezoid hexagon, pentagon,and D-shaped.

The disclosed embodiments may, for example, enable the use of fibercross-section sizes as a taggant. In one aspect, distinct featurescomprise one or more cross-section sizes. Cross-section sizes vary suchthat either the human eye or an image analysis technique candifferentiate sizes. The fibers, yarn, or fiber band can have one ormore identification fibers with one or more taggant cross-section sizes.The number of taggant cross-section sizes ranges from, for example, 1 to50, 1 to 25; 1 to 20; 1 to 10; 1 to 5; 1 to 3; 2 to 20; 2 to 10; 2 to 5;or 3 to 10.

In one aspect, the number of identification fibers with distinctfeatures which comprise taggant cross-section sizes ranges from 0.01 to100 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 50 percent of the fibers; for 0.01to 25 percent of the fibers; for 0.01 to 10 percent of the fibers; or0.01 to 5 percent of the fibers; or 0.01 to 1 percent of the fibers,based on the total number of fibers.

In one aspect, one or more identification fibers have one or moretaggant cross-section sizes that are larger than the averagecross-section size of the standard fibers. In one aspect, the ratio ofthe larger taggant cross-section sizes to the average cross-section sizeranges from 20:1 to 1.5:1, or 10:1 to 1.5:1, or 5:1 to 1.5:1, or 3:1 to1.5:1, 20:1 to 1.3:1, or 10:1 to 1.3:1, or 5:1 to 1.3:1, or 3:1 to1.3:1, or 20:1 to 1.1:1, or 10:1 to 1.1:1, or 5:1 to 1.1:1, or 3:1 to1.1:1. In one aspect, one or more identification fibers havecross-section sizes that are smaller than the average cross-section sizeof the standard fibers. In one aspect, the ratio of the smallercross-section sizes to the average cross-section size ranges from 1:20to 1:1.5, or 1:10 to 1:1.5, or 1:5 to 1:1.5, or 1:2 to 1:1.5, or 1:20 to1:1.3, or 1:10 to 1:1.3, or 1:5 to 1:1.3, or 1:2 to 1:1.3, or 1:20 to1:1.1, or 1:10 to 1:1.1, or 1:5 to 1:1.1, or 1:2 to 1:1.1. Thecross-section sizes can be determined by either the effective diameteror the circumcised diameter.

In yet another aspect, one or more taggant cross-section sizes variesalong the length of one or more identification fibers such that thecross-section size varies from 0.25 times to 4.0 times; 0.25 times to2.0 times; 0.5 times to 4.0 times; or 0.5 times to 2.0 times the averageidentification fiber cross-section size.

The number or percentage of identification fibers with taggantcross-section sizes that can be incorporated into a multiple-filamentproduct, like acetate tow for cigarette filters, is potentially limitedby a few factors. First, the number may be limited by the impact of thediameter differences on final product performance, particularly yield.This yield shift could be compensated by adjusting the average denierper filament (dpf) of the standard fibers. Second, the number may bedictated by the capability of the analytical technique to accuratelycount individual fibers of unique cross-section diameter. If thecorrelation among the distinct features and the manufacturer-specifictaggants includes the number of identification fibers with one or morecross-section sizes, discrete gaps in filament number or percentage maybe desired in order to facilitate number differentiation.

Optical properties encompass the effects of a substance or structure onelectromagnetic radiation. The effects include absorption, scattering,refraction, fluorescence, and polarization. Electromagnetic radiationincludes visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light as well as x-rays,microwaves, and radio waves. The effects impact some wavelengths morethan others which impart distinctive, identifying characteristics. Theeffects can be detected by various forms of spectroscopy or by directobservation.

An example is a dye which absorbs portions of the visible light spectrummore than other parts and, thereby, imparts a distinctive color whichcan be observed directly or measured with a spectrometer.

The disclosed embodiments may use optical properties as a taggant. Inone aspect, distinct features comprise one or more optical properties.Optical properties vary such that either the human eye or an imageanalysis technique can differentiate the optical properties. A fiberband or yarn can have one or more identification fibers with one or moretaggant optical properties. In one aspect, taggant optical propertiesare imparted by taggant compounds which emit or absorb light atdistinguishable λ_(max) (wavelength of maximum emission or absorption)where the number of taggant compounds which product distinguishable Amaxrange from 1 to 10, or 1 to 5, or 1 to 3. In another aspect, taggantoptical properties are distinguishable taggant colors where the numberof taggant colors range from 1 to 10, or 1 to 5, or 1 to 3.

Some non-limiting examples of compounds which can be used for one ormore taggant optical properties of the identification fibers includeorganic dyes, organometallic phosphorescent compounds, inorganicfluorescent/phosphorescent molecules, inorganic quantum dots, and/ororganic quantum dots. Additional non-limiting example compounds includeCHROMOPHTAL® Red 2030 (CAS No, 84632-65-5), Copper Phthalocyanine (CASNo. 147-14-8) FD&C Yellow Lake No, 5 (CAS No. 12225-21-7), and titaniumdioxide in anatase, rutile, and/or mixed phase. In one aspect taggantoptical properties are used to distinguish segments in multicomponentfibers.

In one aspect, one or more of the identification fibers can bemulticomponent fibers. Multicomponent fibers contain two or moredistinct polymer compositions (components) within one cross section.They can be tailored to suit aesthetic and functional requirements fornumerous applications and can produce fibers with unique optical orphysical properties. Multicomponent fibers typically comprise 2 or 3components and 2 or more segments. The polymer compositions can bedistinguished as comprising different polymers, as comprising differentadditives, and/or comprising polymer compositions having differentphysical characteristics (e.g., different degrees of crystallinity).

For multicomponent identification fibers, additional distinct featuresinclude segment counts, segment shapes, segment sizes, segmentgeometrical relationships, and segment pointers. For example, if themulticomponent fibers have any number from 2 to 20 islands permulticomponent fiber, then the number of taggant segment counts is 19,with 2-20 islands for each taggant segment count. Alternatively, if themulticomponent fibers have either 5, 10, or 20 islands permulticomponent fiber, then the number of taggant segment counts would be3 with 5, 10, or 20 islands per taggant segment count. If themulticomponent fibers have either 50 or 100 segments per multicomponentfiber, then number of taggant segment counts would be 2, with 50 or 100taggant segment counts. The number of taggant segment counts directlycorrelates to the number of multicomponent distinguishableidentification fibers.

The number of segment counts is selected, in part, based upon theability to manufacture and reliably detect discrete segments of each ofthe multicomponent distinguishable identification fibers. In one aspect,the ranges of the numbers of segments counts can be 2 to 25, 2 to 15, 2to 10, 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 5, 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3to 5, 4 to 20, 4 to 15, or 4 to 10. In one aspect, segment counts can becorrelated to supply chain information.

In one aspect, identification fibers comprise multicomponent fibers andtaggant segment geometries can be used to distinguish amongmulticomponent identification fibers. For example, a firstmulticomponent fiber with 2 segments in a core/sheath formation isclearly distinguishable from a second multicomponent fiber with 2segments that are side-by-side. In one aspect, taggant segmentgeometries are used as a means for increasing the number ofmulticomponent distinguishable identification fibers.

In one aspect, identification fibers comprise multicomponent fibers andtaggant segment pointers can be used to distinguish among multicomponentidentification fibers. For example, if multicomponent fibers have 5islands in the sea wherein the 5 islands make a concentric circle andthe colors of the islands are, in order, red, yellow, orange, blue, andgreen; then a first multicomponent fiber with a notch between the redand yellow island is distinguishable from a second multicomponent fiberwith a notch between the orange and the blue islands. In one aspect,taggant segment pointers can be used as a means for increasing thenumber of multicomponent distinguishable identification fibers.

In one aspect, each of the distinguishable identification fibers exhibitat least one distinct feature. In one aspect, the distinguishableidentification fibers consist of 1 to 50 groups of the distinguishableidentification fibers with each group of distinguishable identificationfibers being formed by the identification fibers having the samedistinct feature or the same combination of distinct features. Inanother aspect the number of groups of distinguishable identificationfibers ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 25, 2 to 20, 2 to 15,3 to 24, or 3 to 15.

Groups of distinguishable identification fibers can contain one or moreidentification fibers having the same distinct feature or the samecombination of distinct features. The number of the identificationfibers in each group of the distinguishable identification fibers isdefined as a fiber count. The fiber count is the actual number of fibersin each group of distinguishable identification fibers. The fiber countcorresponds to a taggant fiber count. One skilled in the art recognizesthat if there were no variability in manufacturing and no variability indetection, the fiber count would always equal its corresponding taggantfiber count. A robust system for building code into fibers must accountfor the fact that there is variability. One skilled in the artrecognizes that if more than one taggant fiber count is to be used, thetwo or more taggant fiber counts must be different enough to allow fornormal variation in the manufacture and detection of identificationfibers and provide a high probability of a correct matching of fibercounts to taggant fiber counts. For example, if the normal variation infiber counts is +−20%, taggant fiber counts of 20, 40, and 70 mayprovide correct matching with very high probability.

In one aspect, the fibers, yarn, or fiber band can have taggant fibercounts which correspond to the numbers of fibers (e.g., fiber counts)for each group of distinguishable identification fiber that can bepresent in the fibers, yarn, or fiber band. The taggant fiber counts ofeach group of distinguishable identification fiber can be the same ordifferent. In one aspect, taggant fiber counts can be correlated tosupply chain information. Also, the number of taggant fiber counts ofeach group of the distinguishable identification fibers can be the sameor different. The taggant fiber counts and the number of taggant fibercounts are selected, in part, based upon the ability to manufacture andreliably detect discrete numbers of each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers. The taggant fiber counts can also be limited bythe maximum number of identification fibers desired. In one aspect, thenumber of taggant fiber counts ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1to 5, 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 4 to 20, 4to 15, or 4 to 10.

In one aspect, the distinguishable identification fibers can eachexhibit one distinct feature, wherein each type of distinct feature isunique. For example, a first identification fiber can have a taggantcross-section shape, a second identification fiber can have a taggantcross-section size, and a third identification fiber can have a taggantoptical property.

In another aspect, distinguishable identification fibers can eachexhibit one distinct feature wherein each type of distinct feature isidentical. For example a first identification fiber can have a firsttaggant cross-section shape, a second identification fiber can have asecond taggant cross-section shape, a third identification fiber canhave third taggant cross-section shape, etc.

In another aspect, distinguishable identification fibers can eachexhibit one distinct feature wherein the types of distinct features canbe identical or different. For example, a first identification fiber canhave a first taggant optical property, a second identification fiber canhave a first taggant cross-section size, a third identification fibercan have a second taggant optical property, and a fourth identificationfiber can have a first taggant cross-section shape.

In one aspect, each group of distinguishable identification fibers canexhibit one distinct feature or the same combination of distinctfeatures. For example, with 3 distinct features comprising a taggantcross-section shape, a taggant cross-section size, and a taggant opticalproperty, the 7 possible groups of distinguishable identification fibershave the following distinct features: (1) identification fibers havingtaggant cross-section shape, (2) identification fibers having taggantcross-section size, (3) identification fibers having taggant opticalproperty, (4) identification fibers having taggant cross-section shapeat taggant cross-section size, (5) identification fiber having taggantcross-section shape with taggant optical property, (6) identificationfibers having taggant cross-section size with taggant optical property,and (7) identification fibers having taggant cross-section shape attaggant cross-section size with taggant optical property.

The number of taggant fiber counts can be varied to produce differentcodes. For example, if any number from 1-25 specific distinguishableidentification fibers can be present in fibers, yarn, or a fiber band(e.g. the fiber count for that group), the number of taggant fibercounts for that group of distinguishable identification fiber is 25 with1-25 distinguishable identification fibers in each taggant fiber count.Alternatively, if either 10, 25, or 50 of a group of distinguishableidentification fiber can be present in fibers, yarn, or a fiber band,the number of taggant fiber counts for that group of distinguishableidentification fibers is 3 with 10, 25, or 50 of that specificdistinguishable identification fibers as the possible taggant fibercount. The taggant fiber counts and numbers of taggant fiber counts foreach group of distinct identification fibers give an additional elementthat can be correlated to supply chain information.

In another aspect, the distinguishable identification fibers comprisereference fibers. Reference fibers typically have a referencecross-section shape which is different from all of the otheridentification fibers and the standard fibers. Reference fibers alsohave a reference cross-section size. In one aspect, the number ofreference fibers is larger than the fiber count of any other group ofdistinguishable identification fibers. In one aspect, the number ofreference fibers is larger than the sum of the fiber counts of all ofthe other groups of distinguishable identification fibers. Thecross-section sizes of distinguishable identification fibers can becharacterized relative to the reference cross-section size. In oneaspect, a group of distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit arelative cross-section size which can be smaller than, the same as, orlarger than the reference cross-section size. In another aspect, a groupof distinguishable identification fibers can exhibit a relativecross-section size which can be smaller than or larger than thereference cross-section size.

In one aspect, one or more identification fibers have one or moretaggant cross-section sizes that are larger than the referencecross-section size. In one aspect, the ratio of the larger taggantcross-section sizes to the reference cross-section size ranges from 20:1to 1.5:1, or 10:1 to 1.5:1, or 5:1 to 1.5:1, or 3:1 to 1.5:1, 20:1 to1.3:1, or 10:1 to 1.3:1, or 5:1 to 1.3:1, or 3:1 to 1.3:1, or 20:1 to1.1:1, or 10:1 to 1.1:1, or 5:1 to 1.1:1, or 3:1 to 1.1:1. In oneaspect, one or more identification fibers have cross-section sizes thatare smaller than the reference cross-section size. In one aspect, theratio of the smaller cross-section sizes to the reference cross-sectionsize ranges from 1:20 to 1:1.5, or 1:10 to 1:1.5, or 1:5 to 1:1.5, or1:2 to 1:1.5, or 1:20 to 1:1.3, or 1:10 to 1:1.3, or 1:5 to 1:1.3, or1:2 to 1:1.3, or 1:20 to 1:1.1, or 1:10 to 1:1.1, or 1:5 to 1:1.1, or1:2 to 1:1.1.

An article can comprise the fibers, yarn, and/or a fiber band. Thearticle is not particularly limited. Non-limiting examples of articlescomprising the fibers or the fiber band include fabrics and othertextile products, non-wovens, absorbent products, filters, filter rods,cigarette filters, liquid storage reservoirs, paper and/or currency. Inone aspect, the article comprises a filter rod. In another aspect, thearticle comprises a cigarette filter. Additional non-limited examples ofarticles include medical items such as medical tape, bandages, or cloth,wicking devices used for vapor delivery, and pharmaceutical productsincluding packaging.

In one aspect, the fibers, yarn, or fiber band has determinable supplychain information. The supply chain information can includemanufacturer, manufacture site, manufacturing line, production run,production date, bale, warehouse, customer, and/or ship-to location. Thetype taggant chemical marker taggant chemical marker amounts distinctfeatures in each group of the distinguishable identification fibersand/or the taggant fiber counts can be correlated tomanufacturer-specific taggants to determine supply chain information ofthe fibers, yarn, fiber band, and/or article.

In one aspect, at least one supply chain component comprises amanufacturer of the standard fibers, a manufacture site of the standardfibers, a manufacturing line of the standard fibers, a production run ofthe standard fibers, a production date of the standard fibers, a packageof the standard fibers, a warehouse of the standard fibers, a customerof the standard fibers, a ship-to location of the standard fibers, amanufacturer of a yarn or fiber band comprising the standard fibers, amanufacturing site of the yarn or fiber band, a manufacturing line ofthe yarn or fiber band, a production run of the yarn or fiber band, aproduction date of the yarn or fiber band, a package of the yarn orfiber band, a warehouse of the yarn or fiber band, a customer of theyarn or fiber band, a ship-to location of the yarn or fiber band, amanufacturer of an article comprising the standard fibers, a manufacturesite of the article, a manufacturing line of the article, a productionrun of the article, a production date of the article, a package of thearticle, a warehouse of the article, a customer of the article, or aship-to location of the article.

In another aspect at least one supply chain component comprises themanufacturer of the yarn or fiber band. In one aspect, the supply chaincomponent comprises the manufacture site of the yarn or fiber band. Inone aspect the supply chain component comprises the manufacturing lineof the yarn or fiber band. The manufacturing line of the yarn or fiberband is the manufacturing line on which the yarn or fiber band wasproduced. In one aspect, the supply chain component comprises theproduction run of the yarn or fiber band. The production run of the yarnor fiber band is the production run within which the yarn or fiber bandwas produced. In one aspect, the supply chain component comprises theproduction date of the yarn or fiber band. The production date of theyarn or fiber band is the production date on which the yarn or fiberband was produced. In one aspect, the supply chain component comprisesthe package of the yarn or bale of the fiber band. In one aspect, thesupply chain component comprises the warehouse of the yarn or fiberband. The warehouse of the yarn or fiber band is the warehouse to whichthe manufacturer plans to send or has sent the fiber band. In oneaspect, the supply chain component comprises the customer of the yarn orfiber band. The customer of the yarn or fiber band is the customer towhom the manufacturer plans to send or has sent the yarn or fiber band.In one aspect, the supply chain component comprises the ship-to locationof the yarn or fiber band. The ship-to location of the yarn or fiberband is the specific geographic location to which the manufacturer plansto send or has sent the yarn or fiber band.

The selection of the chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts,number of the taggant chemical marker amounts for each of the chemicalmakers, and coding system can be influenced by several factors. Thesefactors include, but are not limited to, ease of manufacturingidentification fibers, yarn, and/or fiber bands comprisingidentification fibers; ease of detecting identification fibers, eitherin the fibers, yarn, the fiber band, or in an article comprising thefibers, yarn or the fiber band; impact of the identification fibers onperformance characteristics of an article comprising the fibers, yarn,or the fiber band; and ease of countering the track and trace objective.

The disclosed embodiments allow for flexible implementation of a codingsystem for correlating the chemical markers, taggant chemical markeramounts, number of the taggant chemical marker amounts for each of thechemical makers. Described below are non-limiting examples of how codingsystems can be readily implemented based upon the above describedidentification fibers.

In a non-limiting example of using chemical markers for a particularcoding system, three chemical markers, lauric acid, palmitic acid, andstearic acid are the taggant non-volatile organic compounds. If, lauricacid can be present in the fibers in an amount of 1 wt %, 5 wt % or 10wt %, palmitic acid can be present at 100 ppm, or 200 ppm, and stearicacid can be present at 0.5 wt %, 1 wt %, 2 wt % or 4 wt %, then thereare 3 taggant lauric acid amounts, 2 taggant palmitic acid amounts, and4 taggant stearic acid amounts. If the coding system requires each oflauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid to be present, there are 48different combinations of chemical markers and taggant chemical markeramounts. Each combination could be representative of a supply chaincomponent.

Another non-limiting example of correlating chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts, number of the taggant chemical marker amountsfor each of the chemical makers in a coding system includes a fiber bandhaving identification fiber(s) with a taggant fluorescent chromophore(as the taggant photoluminescent material) having a maximum emissionswavelength (λ_(max)) obtained from the emission spectrum of thedissolved fiber band. The λ_(max) of the taggant correlates to a number,0-9, which is used to identify the manufacturer. The taggant fluorescentchromophore amount correlates to a number, 0-9, which is used toidentify the manufacture site. Additionally, the fiber band includesidentification fibers with a taggant non-volatile compound whosemolecular constituents are determined and correlates to a number, 00-99,which is used to identify the customer. The taggant non-volatilecompound amounts is determined and correlates to a number, 00-99, whichis used to identify the ship-to location. The identity and quantity ofthe taggant non-volatile organic compound is determined using ananalytical technique such as GC or HPLC. Such a code could be 1 3 48 39which when compared to a database identifies the manufacturer and themanufacture site of the fiber band as well as the customer to which thefiber band is being sold, and the ship-to location. Other chemicalmarkers may be incorporated to encode additional information.

In addition to chemical markers, the selection of the distinct features,combinations of distinct features, and coding system can be influencedby several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, easeof manufacturing identification fibers, yarn and/or fiber bands,comprising identification fibers; ease of detecting identificationfibers, either in the fibers, yarn, or fiber band or in an articlecomprising the fibers, yarn, or the fiber band; impact of theidentification fibers on performance characteristics of an articlecomprising the fibers, yarn, fiber band; and ease of countering thetrack and trace objective.

The disclosed embodiments may also allow for flexible implementation ofa coding system for correlating the identification fibers exhibitingdistinct features and/or combinations of distinct features, one or moregroups of distinguishable identification fibers and correspondingtaggant fiber counts, as well as the number of taggant fiber counts tosupply chain information. Described below are non-limiting examples ofhow coding systems can be readily implemented based upon the abovedescribed identification fibers.

In a non-limiting example, standard fibers are medium-sized circles andfour manufacturer-specific taggants are used. A first taggantcross-section size, a second taggant cross-section size, a first taggantcross-section shape, and a second taggant cross-section shape. Themanufacturer specific taggant cross-section sizes are small and largeand the manufacturer specific taggant cross-section shapes are squaresand triangles. In this example, eight possible groups of distinguishableidentification fibers can be produced: small-sized circles (an exampleof taggant cross-section size), large-sized circles, small-sized squares(an example of the combination of taggant cross-section size and taggantcross-section shape), medium-sized squares (an example of taggantcross-section shape), large-sized squares, small-sized triangles,medium-sized triangles, and large-sized triangles. For example, whenusing a code comprised of one circle-shaped, one square-shaped, and onetriangle-shaped identification fiber, eighteen sets of distinguishableidentifications fibers are possible. If, additionally, one of twomanufacturing-specific taggant colors are present for eachidentification fiber, the number of distinguishable identificationfibers grows to 16 and the number of combinations grows to 144 (8optical combinations per size/shape combinations of identificationfibers times 18 size/shape combinations of identification fibers).

The example as described above also illustrates the selection of codingsystems for ease of detection of each group of distinguishableidentification fibers. The example coding system requires that one andonly one of each taggant cross-section shape be detected in the fiberband. Once each taggant cross-section shape has been found, detectionand analysis can end with confidence that all distinguishableidentification fibers present have been found.

In a another example, if one circle, one square, and one triangle of theoriginal 8 distinguishable identification fibers above are present inone of 3 taggant fiber counts (e.g., taggant fiber counts of 10, 20, or30), the number of possible sets grows to 486.

FIG. 2 illustrates another non-limiting example of correlating distinctfeatures to supply chain information. In this example, the groups ofdistinguishable multicomponent identification fibers correlates tosupply chain information. The larger the set of possible combinations ofdistinct features (i.e., applying combinatorics), the more detailed thesupply chain information correlation can be. In FIG. 2, multicomponentfibers are shown with 3 taggant segment counts (e.g., 1, 2, and 3islands), and two taggant colors for each of the segments (islands andsea). In this example, each of the island(s) has the same taggant colorwithin a filament and the island(s) taggant color is different from thesea taggant color. In other words, if the optical taggants are denotedby A and B, there are 2 distinguishable identification fibers for eachtaggant segment count, one with A color island(s) and B color sea or onewith B color island(s) and A color sea (i.e., A/B or B/A). The totalnumber of distinguishable identification fibers for 3 taggant segmentcounts and 2 taggant colors is 6. The 6 distinguishable identificationfibers are shown in the columns labeled as 0 and 7 in FIG. 2. If onlyone optical taggant formation (i.e., A/B or B/A) is present for each ofthe 3 segment counts, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the number of possiblecombinations is 8, which can translate, for example, into numeric code0-7. If one more taggant color is added, for example, such that taggantcolors are A, B, and C, and only 2 taggant colors are present asdescribed above for each identification fiber (i.e., each island in agiven filament is the same taggant color and the sea has one differenttaggant color), the total number of distinguishable identificationfibers for each taggant segment count is 6 (i.e., A/B, A/C, B/A, B/C,C/A, or C/B) for a total of 18 possible distinguishable identificationfibers when three segment counts are used. Again, if only one opticaltaggant formation is present for each of the segment counts, then forthree segment counts, the number of possible combinations for thedistinguishable identification fibers is 216 which can translate into,for example, a numeric code 0-215. If, for example, the manufacturer ofa fiber band has 200 customers, the customer information can be readilyincorporated into the fiber band using this correlation method.

The Table below shows the increase in the number of possibleidentification fibers and codes as the number of segment countsincreases, for both the 2 taggant color and 3 taggant color examples. Asshown in the Table below, a large number of possible combinations ofdistinguishable identification fibers can be generated with relativelyfew taggants. The combinations can translate into codes. Going beyondwhat is shown in the Table below, under the same assumptions discussedabove, except for using four taggant colors, the number of combinationspossible for 1, 3, 5, and 10 segment counts is 12, 1,728, 248,832, and61,917,364,224, respectively.

TABLE Example of number of possible combinations of distinguishableidentification fibers when each number of islands is present in only oneoptical taggant formation 3 optical taggants - only two used in eachidentification 2 optical taggants fiber Number of # possible # #possible ID # Islands ID Fibers Combinations Fibers Combinations 1 2 2 66 1-3 6 8 18 216 1-5 10 32 30 7,776 1-10 20 1,024 60 60,466,176

The example as described illustrates the selection of the taggants,combinations, and taggant fiber counts of taggants for ease ofmanufacturing the identification fibers. Simpler, and thus cheaper,multicomponent spinpacks can be used when the same taggant color is usedfor all of the islands of a given filament and/or set of filaments. Theincrease in the number of codes with taggant color allows for severaldifferent codes to be incorporated by simply changing the color to asection of one or more multicomponent spinpacks. If the articleperformance is not impacted by the color, this may be cheaper thanhaving to change out spinpacks to change the number of segments (e.g.,islands).

The example as described also illustrates the selection of codingsystems for ease of detection of distinguishable identification fibers.The example coding system requires that there be one and only one oftaggant color formation for each of the different segment counts (e.g.,1, 2, and 3 islands) and requires that each segment count is present.Once a taggant color formation has been found for each of the differentsegment counts, detection and analysis can end with confidence that alldistinguishable identification fibers present have been found.

The method one uses for including distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fibercounts into a code is not particularly limiting. One skilled in the artcan readily see that there exists a large number of ways to generateseveral sets and/or codes based upon a relatively small number ofdistinct features, groups of distinguishable identification fibers,taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fiber counts.

Although the nonlimiting illustrations above consider either chemicalmarkers or distinct features in the coding systems, one skilled in theart can readily extend the illustrations to include the embodiments withchemical markers and distinct features.

In additional embodiments, an acetate tow band comprises fiberscomprising identification fibers. A portion of the identification fiberscomprise 1 to 100 chemical markers and a portion of the identificationfibers exhibits at least one distinct feature. The identification fiberscomprise one or more groups of distinguishable identification fibers,each group of the distinguishable identification fibers being formed bythe identification fibers having the same distinct feature or a samecombination of the distinct features. The amount of each of the chemicalmarkers, based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemicalmarker amount and at least one of the chemical marker amountscorresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount. The number of theidentification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count and at least one ofthe fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count. The chemicalmarkers, the chemical marker amounts, the distinct features in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers, and the taggantfiber counts are representative of at least one supply chain componentof the acetate tow band.

The embodiments encompassing acetate tow bands, encompassed acetate towbands comprising fibers with any combination of attributes describedabove. Specifically, the identification fiber composition, the sizes andnumbers of fibers, the percentage of identification fibers in fibers,yarn, or fiber band, the chemical markers including non-volatile organiccompounds, photoluminescent materials, polymeric additives,carbohydrates, metal oxides, inorganic salts, optical isomers,isotopically labeled molecules, and trace chemicals inherent to themanufacturer of the fibers and/or fiber raw materials, the chemicalmarker amounts, the taggant chemical marker amounts, the percentage ofdistinct features in a fiber band, the distinct features, the number ofdistinct features, the combinations of distinct features, groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers, fiber counts, descriptions ofcross-section shapes, cross-section sizes, optical properties, surfacemarkings, multicomponent fibers, segment counts, segment shapes, segmentsizes, segment geometries, descriptions of segment pointers, the numberof identification fibers, the variation among fibers, the supply chaininformation, and the non-limiting coding/correlation systems apply tothe embodiments encompassing and acetate tow band.

In one aspect, the identification fibers comprise cellulose acetate. Inone aspect, the at least one supply chain component comprises themanufacturer of the acetate tow band and the customer of the acetate towband. In one aspect, the at least one supply chain component comprisesthe manufacturer of the acetate tow band and the ship-to location of theacetate tow band.

Because cellulose acetate tow is made on an industrial scale, it isamenable to being tagged with various components to identify themanufacturer, as well as other supply chain information such as thecustomer it was sold to, location of shipment, or even a uniqueidentifier, i.e., a serial number, for each bale of tow.

The disclosed embodiments also include a filter comprising the acetatetow band described above. In one aspect the filter comprises a filterrod or a cigarette filter.

In further embodiments, a method for making an acetate tow bandcomprises (a) obtaining the identification fibers; (b) producing thestandard fibers on a first fiber production process; and (c) combiningthe standard fibers with the identification fibers into the acetate towband. The acetate tow band comprises fibers comprising identificationfibers and standard fibers. The standard fibers comprise celluloseacetate. A portion of the identification fibers comprise 1 to 100chemical markers and a portion of the identification fibers exhibits atleast one distinct feature. The identification fibers comprise one ormore groups of distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or a same combination of thedistinct features. The amount of each of the chemical markers, based ona weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemical marker amount and atleast one of the chemical marker amounts corresponds to a taggantchemical marker amount. The number of the identification fibers in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fibercount and at least one of the fiber counts corresponds to a taggantfiber count. The chemical markers, the chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers, and the taggant fiber counts are representative of at least onesupply chain component of the acetate tow band.

The method for making a yarn or fiber band, such as an acetate tow band,encompasses making a yarn or fiber band comprising the fibers with anycombination of attributes disclosed above. Specifically, theidentification fiber composition, the sizes and numbers of fibers, thepercentage of identification fibers in fibers, yarn, or fiber band, thechemical markers including non-volatile organic compounds,photoluminescent materials, polymeric additives, carbohydrates, metaloxides, inorganic salts, optical isomers, isotopically labeledmolecules, and trace chemicals inherent to the manufacturer of thefibers and/or fiber raw materials, the chemical marker amounts, thetaggant chemical marker amounts, the percentage of distinct features ina fiber band, the distinct features, the number of distinct features,the combinations of distinct features, groups of distinguishableidentification fibers, fiber counts, descriptions of cross-sectionshapes, cross-section sizes, optical properties, surface markings,multicomponent fibers, segment counts, segment shapes, segment sizes,segment geometries, descriptions of segment pointers, the number ofidentification fibers, the variation among fibers, the supply chaininformation, and the non-limiting coding/correlation systems apply tothe embodiments encompassing and method for making and acetate tow band.

In one aspect, at least a portion of the standard fibers are produced ona fiber production process. In another aspect, standard fibers arereceived from a third party. Obtaining the identification fiberscomprises at least one of (i) producing at least a portion of theidentification fibers on the standard fibers' fiber production process,(ii) producing at least a portion of the identification fibers on aprocess distinct from the standard fibers' fiber production process, or(iii) receiving at least a portion of the identification fibers from athird party.

In one aspect, a portion of the identification fibers are coproducedwith the standard fibers and a portion of the fibers making up a fiberband or yarn are spun and combined directly downstream of the fiberproduction process. One skilled in the art will recognize that this canbe done by imparting distinct features to groups of identificationfibers, such as distinct cross-section shapes or cross-section sizesimparted to a portion of the fibers from a given spinneret or a givenspinning cabinet in the fiber production line. In another aspect,distinct features can be uniformly dispersed throughout the fiber bandby imparting distinct features to some or all of the fibers uniformlythroughout the production line.

In another aspect, the identification fibers are produced and packagedseparately from standard fibers and the identification fibers arecombined with the standard fibers to produce a fiber band. The standardfibers may also have been packaged before combining with theidentification fibers, or the identification fibers may be combined withthe standard fibers before packaging of the fiber band.

The spinning process used for producing the fibers is not particularlylimited. In one aspect, the fibers are produced using dry spinning,solution spinning, melt spinning, electro spinning, gel spinning,multi-component spinning, melt blowing, and/or solution blowing. Inanother aspect, the fibers are produced using dry spinning, solutionspinning, melt spinning, electro spinning, gel spinning, and/ormulti-component spinning. In a further aspect, the fibers comprisecellulose acetate and are produced using dry spinning.

In one aspect, one or more chemical markers are selected from the groupconsisting of one or more taggant non-volatile organic compounds, one ormore taggant photoluminescent materials, one or more taggant polymericadditives, one or more taggant carbohydrates, one or more taggant metaloxides, one or more taggant inorganic salts, one or more taggant opticalisomers, one or more taggant isotopically labeled molecules and one ormore taggant trace chemicals inherent to the manufacturer of said fiberband, said fibers and/or said polymer.

The method for incorporating the chemical markers into the fiber band isnot particularly limited. Chemical markers disclosed herein can beincorporated into the cellulose acetate tow manufacturing process byseveral possible methods and at many steps or locations in the process.The general methods can include introduction and mixing in bulk whilethe product or its raw materials are in a liquid form (e.g. pigmentslurry; acid dope; acetone dope; acetic acid; acetic anhydride;neutralization agents; lubricant emulsion) or applied to the surface ofthe product when in solid form (e.g. pulp rolls; pigment granules;cellulose acetate flake; tow after spinning).

In one aspect, one or more chemical markers can be added to the polymerfrom which a portion of the identification fibers are made. In oneaspect, the chemical marker is added to the spinning solution. Thespinning solution is subsequently spun into one or more identificationfibers. The chemical marker can be added to the spinning solutionupstream of the manufacturing line to be incorporated into all of thefibers of the fiber band or upstream of one or more spinning cabinets orone or more individual spinnerets to incorporate the marker into aportion of the fibers of the fiber band. Static mixers can be used tomix the chemical marker in the spinning solution piping withoutmechanical agitation. The addition of the chemical markers at thecabinet or spinneret level allows for quicker and less costly purging ofthe spinning system when chemical marker changes are needed to representa different supply chain component, for example a different ship tolocation. In one aspect, one or more of the chemical markers is added toa spinning solution upstream of the first fiber production process, at aspinning cabinet contained within the first fiber production process, orat an individual spinneret contained within the spinning cabinet.

In one aspect, chemical markers are applied to one or moreidentification fibers by surface application at any point before,during, and/or after the forming of the yarn or fiber band; before,during and/or after the crimping of the fiber band; before, duringand/or after the conditioning of the yarn or fiber band; before, duringand/or after the conveyance of the yarn or fiber band to the packagingprocess. In one aspect, the spin finish comprises one or more chemicalmarkers and is applied to the fiber through existing spin finishapplication equipment. In another aspect, the existing crimper coolantcomprises one or more chemical markers.

In one aspect chemical markers can be applied by surface application toone or more identification fibers by a method selected from the groupconsisting of dipping, immersing, submerging, soaking, rinsing, washing,painting, coating, showering, drizzling, spraying (as liquid oratomized), placing, dusting, sprinkling, affixing, pouring, and directmetering.

In addition to the flexibility of where and how chemical markers areadded to the process for making a yarn or fiber band, the form of thechemical markers is not particularly limited. In one aspect, chemicalmarkers can be applied in a form selected from the group consisting ofneat, in a solution, in an emulsion, and in a suspension.

The location at which the chemical markers are added may determine thedegree of differentiation possible within the supply chain information,e.g. manufacturing location, manufacturing line, production run, orbale. Generally the further upstream the chemical markers areincorporated, the less differentiation is possible. However, the furtherdownstream the chemical markers are applied, the greater the potentialcapital expense and manufacturing complexity due to the need for amultiplicity of equipment additions and modifications. In one aspect,one or more chemical markers can be added at the point of manufacture ofthe article. In one aspect, one or more chemical markers can be added atthe plugmaker when an acetate tow band is converted into a filter rod.

In the disclosed embodiments, each identification fiber can comprise atleast one chemical marker, exhibit at least one distinct feature, orcomprise at least one chemical marker and exhibit at least one distinctfeature. Identification fibers exhibiting at least one distinct featureare distinguishable identification fibers.

In one aspect, the distinct features comprise taggant cross-sectionshapes and/or taggant cross-section sizes. In one aspect, the number ofidentification fibers ranges from 0.01 to 50 percent of fibers, based onthe total of identification fibers and standard fibers. In otherexamples of the number of identification fibers ranges from 0.01 to 25percent, 0.01 to 10 percent, or 0.01 to 5 percent of the fibers.

In one aspect, the distinct features comprise taggant cross-sectionshapes. The taggant cross-section shapes are produced using spinneretdesign and process conditions including spinneret hole geometry, draftratio, and/or mass transfer rates. One skilled in the art of fiberproduction recognizes how each of these factors can be manipulated toimpact taggant cross-section shape. For example, spinneret holes canvary in shape from non-limiting examples of circular, square,triangular, pentagon, octagon, half circle, and three-quarter circle. Inone aspect, at least a portion of the spinneret hole geometries areselected from the group consisting of triangle, circle, rectangle,square, flattened round, trapezoid, hexagon, pentagon, and D-shaped. Inanother aspect, at least a portion of the spinneret hole geometries areselected from the group consisting of circle, rectangle square,flattened round, trapezoid hexagon, pentagon, and D-shaped

The draft ratio can also impact the shape. Finally, in spinningprocesses that include the mass transfer of a solvent or other materialthe polymer of the fiber, one skilled in the art recognizes that processconditions which impact the rate of mass transfer, such as temperatureand gas flow, can impact taggant cross-section shape. In another aspect,at least a portion of the spinneret hole geometries are selected fromthe group consisting of circle, rectangle square, flattened round,trapezoid hexagon, pentagon, and D-shaped.

In one aspect, the distinct features comprise taggant cross-sectionsizes. The taggant cross-section sizes are produced using design andprocess conditions including spinneret hole geometry, extrusion flowrate, draft ratio, and/or solids level. When each of the other designand process conditions is held constant, one skilled in the artrecognizes the impact of a change in one factor on taggant cross-sectionsize. For example taggant cross-section size increases with increasedspinneret hole size. Taggant cross-section size increases with increasedextrusion rate. Taggant cross-section size decreases with increaseddraft ratio. Finally, taggant cross-section size increases withincreased solids.

In one aspect, a portion of the identification fibers comprise 1 to 50groups of distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or combination of distinctfeatures. The number of the identification fibers in each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fiber count. Thedistinct features in each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers and the fiber counts are representative of at least one supplychain component of the acetate tow band.

In one aspect, the single-component distinguishable identificationfibers are produced using distinguishable spinneret holes, each group ofthe distinguishable spinneret holes being formed by spinneret holeshaving the same distinguishable spinneret hole geometry. Each group ofthe distinguishable identification fibers are produced using acorresponding group of the distinguishable spinneret holes. There is aone-to-one relationship between a specific distinguishable spinnerethole geometry and a specific distinguishable identification fiberproduced using the specific distinguishable spinneret hole geometry. Thenumber of each of the distinguishable spinneret holes used to make acorresponding group of distinguishable identification fibers is equal tothe fiber count for the corresponding group of distinguishableidentification fibers.

The spinneret configuration for producing distinguishable identificationfibers is not particularly limiting. In one aspect, all of thedistinguishable identification fibers are produced from a singlespinneret or from multiple spinnerets in a single spinning cabinet. Sucha configuration can concentrate the distinguishable identificationfibers in a single region of the tow band or article, depending on theband and/or article production arrangement, allowing for more efficientand effective location and characterization of the distinguishableidentification fibers. In another aspect, distinguishable identificationfibers are produced from multiple spinnerets or from multiple spinneretsin multiple spinning cabinets. Such a configuration can allow for highertotal counts of distinguishable identification fibers or could improveoverall spinnanability of the identification fibers by reducingconcentration of the identification fibers being produced from any onespinneret.

Different groups of the distinguishable identification fibers can beproduced from separate spinnerets or from several spinnerets in variouscombinations. For example, each group of distinguishable identificationfibers can be produced using a spinneret different from the one used toproduce every other group of the distinguishable identification fibers.Such a configuration might allow for improved spinnability of theidentification fibers through the optimization of the spinneret and/orthe spinning conditions for each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers. In another aspect, all groups of thedistinguishable identification fibers can be produced from the samespinneret. Such a configuration might allow for reduced variation in theshape or size of the distinguishable identification fibers.

The arrangement of the distinguishable spinneret holes withdistinguishable spinneret hole geometry on a particular spinneret is notparticularly limiting. In one aspect, all of the holes having aparticular spinneret hole geometry can be arranged in the same row or inadjacent rows, or could be arranged in the same concentric ring oradjacent concentric rings, or can be grouped in a specific region of thespinneret. Such configurations may improve the spinnability of theidentification fibers or reduce the variation of the shape or size of adistinguishable identification fiber, thereby enabling improvedcharacterization. In another aspect, distinguishable spinneret holes foreach group of the distinguishable identification fibers can bedistributed uniformly in various patterns, or can be distributedrandomly with standard spinneret holes.

In one aspect, one or more distinct features comprise taggant opticalproperties. The taggant optical properties can be produced byincorporating a substance, for example, fluorescent compounds and/ordyes, in one or more identification fibers. In one aspect, the substanceis applied to the surface of one or more identification fibers. Themethod for applying the substance to the surface of one or moreidentification fibers is not particularly limited and includes dipping,immersing, submerging, soaking, rinsing, washing, painting, coating,showering, drizzling, spraying (as liquid or atomized), placing,dusting, sprinkling, affixing, pouring, and/or direct metering.

In one aspect, the substance is added to the spinning solution. Thespinning solution is subsequently spun into one or more identificationfibers. The substance can be added to the spinning solution upstream ofthe production line, spinning cabinets, and/or individual spinnerets.

In one aspect, one or more distinguishable identification fiberscomprises multicomponent fibers. The number of multicomponent fibers,the segment counts in each of the multicomponent fibers, the segmentgeometrical relationships, and the segment pointers are produced usingspecific multicomponent spinpack configurations. In one aspect, themulticomponent spinpack is configured to be able to change the polymersgoing to different segments of a portion of the identification fiberswithout switching out the multicomponent spinpack. This can allow theimplementation of several potential codes without the labor and expenseof changing out the multicomponent spinpack. In one aspect,multicomponent distinguishable identification fibers comprisingdifferent numbers of segments are produced within a singlemulticomponent spinpack. In one aspect, identification fibers compriseislands and sea and wherein a portion of the identification fibers areproduced with the islands comprising a first polymer and the seacomprising a second polymer and a different portion of theidentification fibers are produced with the islands comprising thesecond polymer and the sea comprising the first polymer. In one aspect,changing the first polymer or the second polymer from the island to thesea or from the sea to the island for at least a portion of theidentification fibers does not require changes to the multicomponentspinpack.

In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a multicomponentspinpack capable of producing 1 to 200, 1 to 100 or 1 to 50multicomponent fibers. In one aspect, the multicomponent spinpack isconnected to a manifold system that allows switching among variouspolymers to feed the various segments.

In one aspect the number of groups of the distinguishable identificationfibers ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 3 to 20,and 3 to 15.

Non-limiting examples of specific multicomponent fiber sets and a meansfor switching the polymer in the island versus the sea are given in FIG.3 through FIG. 4.

FIG. 3(a) illustrates multicomponent fiber spinpack 200 capable ofproducing fourteen multicomponent distinguishable identification fibers.Each of the fibers comprises at least one island and sea. For example,as shown in FIG. 3(a), an island is produced from polymer extrudedthrough small circle 230 and sea is produced from the polymer extrudedthrough the area surrounding the small circles 240. In addition toillustrating different numbers of islands FIG. 3(a) illustratesdifferent segment geometrical relationships as seen in comparing thedesigns of sections 220(a) and 220(b).

FIGS. 3(b), 4(a), and 4(b) illustrate a non-limiting example of amulticomponent spinpack system wherein the polymer of the islands andthe polymer of the sea can be independently exchanged for subsets of themulticomponent fibers. Multicomponent fiber spinpack 300 contains foursections for producing eighteen multicomponent fibers 320. Each section,310, 312, 314 and 316 comprises independent polymer feeds for theislands and the sea of each multicomponent fiber produced. Section 310can be used to produce three multicomponent fibers with one island. Inone example, polymer feed 330 extrudes through the islands and polymerfeed 340 extrudes through the sea. Section 312 can be used to producethree multicomponent fibers with two islands. In one example, polymerfeed 332 extrudes through the islands and polymer feed 342 extrudesthrough the sea. Section 314 can be used to produce three multicomponentfibers with three islands. In one example, polymer feed 334 extrudesthrough the islands and polymer feed 344 extrudes through the sea.Section 316 can be used to produce nine multicomponent fibers with fourto twelve islands in each fiber. In one example, polymer feed 336extrudes through the islands and polymer feed 346 extrudes through thesea.

In one aspect, the polymer feeds can be readily exchanged betweenislands in the sea in any section of multicomponent fiber spinpack 300.FIG. 4(a) illustrates valve 400 providing flow paths for polymers 450and 460. In a first configuration, polymer 450 exits outlet 420 viaconnection 470 and polymer 460 exits outlet 430 via connection 472. FIG.4(a) illustrates a second configuration wherein polymer 450 exits outlet430 via connection 472 and polymer 460 exits outlet 420 via connection470. Switch 440 can be turned to alternate the inlet/outletconfiguration, to configure flow path 470 between polymer inlet 450 andoutlet 420 and flow path 472 between polymer 460 inlet and 430 outlet;or alternatively, to configure flow path 472 between polymer inlet 450and outlet 430 and flow path 470 between polymer 460 inlet and 420outlet. Outlet 420 can be connected to feed the islands and outlet 430can be connected to feed the seas of a multicomponent fiber spinpack notshown. FIG. 4(b) illustrates the connection of the reservoir of polymer450 and polymer 460 to multicomponent fiber spinpack 300 through valve400. Switch 440 is set to allow polymer 450 to flow through outlet 430to spinpack 300 (e.g., to feed the islands not shown) and polymer 460 toflow through outlet 420 to spinpack 300 (e.g., to feed the seas notshown).

In one aspect, the a portion of identification fibers comprise 1 to 50groups of distinguishable identification fibers, each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers being formed by the identificationfibers having the same distinct feature or combination of distinctfeatures. The number of the identification fibers in each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fiber count. Inone aspect, each of the distinguishable identification fibers areproduced using a distinguishable spinneret hole or a multicomponentspinpack. Each of the distinguishable spinneret holes exhibit adistinguishable spinneret hole geometry. In one aspect the number ofdistinguishable identification fibers ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 15, 1 to10, 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 3 to 20, and 3 to 15.

In one aspect, distinguishable identification fibers comprise areference fiber. The reference fibers comprises a referencecross-section size and a reference cross-section shape. The referencefibers are produced using distinguishable spinneret holes comprisingreference spinneret holes. In one aspect, the number of reference fibersis larger than the number of each other of the distinguishableidentification fibers. In one aspect, the number of reference fibers islarger than the number of all other of the distinguishableidentification fibers.

The reference fibers can serve to differentiate, for example, large andsmall sizes of the same cross-section shape. In one aspect, the geometryof the distinguishable spinneret holes is selected relative to thegeometry of the reference spinneret hole. In one aspect, thedistinguishable identification fibers, excluding the reference fibers,exhibit taggant cross-section sizes either smaller than, the same as, orlarger than the cross-section size as determined by effective diameter.

In one aspect the number of reference fibers is selected such that thetotal number of all distinguishable identification fibers equals ataggant total identification fiber number.

In one aspect, the identification fibers comprise cellulose acetate. Inone aspect, the at least one supply chain component comprises themanufacturer of the acetate tow band and the customer of the acetate towband. In one aspect, the at least one supply chain component comprisesthe manufacturer of the acetate tow band and the ship-to location of theacetate tow band.

The disclosed embodiments also provide a method for characterizing afiber sample comprising the disclosed fibers. A portion of theidentification fibers comprise 1 to 100 chemical markers and a portionof the identification fibers exhibits at least one distinct feature. Theidentification fibers comprise one or more groups of distinguishableidentification fibers, each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers being formed by the identification fibers having the samedistinct feature or a same combination of the distinct features. Themethod comprises chemical analysis and image analysis. The chemicalanalysis comprises: (1) dissolving the fiber sample in a solvent toproduce a sample solution and/or insolubles; (2) analyzing the samplesolution and/or the insoluble to identify the chemical markers and eachof the chemical marker amounts. The image analysis comprises (1)applying imaging technology to the fiber sample, (2) detecting thegroups of the distinguishable identification fibers, and (3) counting anumber of each of the distinguishable identification fibers. The amountof each of the chemical markers, based on a weight of the fibers, isdefined as a chemical marker amount and at least one of the chemicalmarker amounts corresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount. Thenumber of the identification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count and at least one ofthe fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count. The chemicalmarkers, the chemical marker amounts, the distinct features in eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers, and the taggantfiber counts are representative of at least one supply chain componentof the fibers are representative of at least one supply chain componentof the fiber.

The method for characterizing a fiber sample encompasses characterizinga fiber sample comprising fibers, a yarn, fiber band, and/or articlecomprising the fibers with any combination of attributes disclosedabove. Specifically, the identification fiber composition, the sizes andnumbers of fibers, the percentage of identification fibers in fibers,yarn, or fiber band, the chemical markers including non-volatile organiccompounds, photoluminescent materials, polymeric additives,carbohydrates, metal oxides, inorganic salts, optical isomers,isotopically labeled molecules, and trace chemicals inherent to themanufacturer of the fibers and/or fiber raw materials, the chemicalmarker amounts, the taggant chemical marker amounts, the percentage ofdistinct features in a fiber band, the distinct features, the number ofdistinct features, the combinations of distinct features, groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers, fiber counts, descriptions ofcross-section shapes, cross-section sizes, optical properties, surfacemarkings, multicomponent fibers, segment counts, segment shapes, segmentsizes, segment geometries, descriptions of segment pointers, the numberof identification fibers, the variation among fibers, the supply chaininformation, and the non-limiting coding/correlation systems apply tothe embodiments encompassing characterizing a fiber sample. In someembodiments, the fiber sample comprises a portion of an acetate tow bandor a filter comprising an acetate tow band, each of which comprises thefibers disclosed above.

The method of characterizing a fiber sample comprises chemical analysisan image analysis. The chemical analysis comprises (1) dissolving thefiber sample in a solvent to produce a sample solution and/orinsolubles; (2) analyzing the sample solution and/or the insoluble toidentify the chemical markers and each of the chemical marker amounts.

In one aspect, the solvent is selected from the group consisting ofethers; ketones; aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons; water; and ionicliquids. In one aspect, the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons comprisehetero atoms, wherein the heteroatoms comprise halogens, amines, oxygen,sulfur and/or phosphorus. In another aspect, the solvent comprisesacetone, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, methanol, chloroform,dioxane, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl acetate,ethyl acetate, nitric acid and/or pyridine.

The equipment and techniques used to identify the chemical markers arenot particularly limited. One skilled in the art of analytical chemistrywill recognize that there are several chemical analysis technologiesuseful in analyzing articles and/or prepared samples, for example, bydissolving the articles in a solvent. In one aspect, the chemicalmarkers are analyzed using mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, nuclearmagnetic resonance, and/or x-ray diffraction. In one aspect, thechemical markers are analyzed using chromatography and/or inductivelycoupled plasma. One skilled in the art recognizes that these are broadcategories of chemical analysis technologies. The specific types of eachchemical analysis technology can be used in analyzing chemical markersin the fiber band.

The method of characterizing a fiber sample comprises chemical analysisan image analysis. The image analysis comprises (1) applying imagingtechnology to the fiber sample, (2) detecting the groups of thedistinguishable identification fibers, and (3) counting a number of eachof the distinguishable identification fibers.

In one aspect, the imaging technology comprises the use ofelectromagnetic radiation at visible wavelengths. In another aspect, theimage technology comprises the use of electromagnetic radiation atinvisible wavelengths. The equipment useful for imaging technology isnot particularly limited. Non-limiting examples include human visualinspection, microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy,fluorescence microscopy, and optical scanning.

The imaging technology can be applied to the fiber sample transverse tothe length of the fibers. This direction allows, for example, a view ofthe cross-section shapes of the fibers. The imaging technology can alsobe applied along the length of fibers. This direction allows, forexample, a view of a pattern of surface markings on the fibers.

In one aspect, the fibers are incorporated into a matrix prior toapplying the imaging technology. For example, fibers can be immobilizedin a polymer that does not interfere with the imaging technology and cutinto appropriate sample sizes.

The imaging technology may also be applied to the article comprising thefibers, fiber band, or yarn.

In one aspect, the method for characterizing the fiber sample furthercomprises (a) correlating one or more of chemical markers, chemicalmarker amounts, the distinct features in each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers, and/or the one or more taggantfiber counts to a database comprising manufacturer-specific taggants;and (b) determining supply chain information of the fiber sample. Thesupply chain component comprises a manufacturer of the standard fibers,a manufacture site of the standard fibers, a manufacturing line of thestandard fibers, a production run of the standard fibers, a productiondate of the standard fibers, a package of the standard fibers, awarehouse of the standard fibers, a customer of the standard fibers, aship-to location of the standard fibers, a manufacturer of a yarn orfiber band comprising the fibers, a manufacturing site of the yarn orfiber band, a manufacturing line of the yarn or fiber band, a productionrun of the yarn or fiber band, a production date of the yarn or fiberband, a package of the yarn or fiber band, a warehouse of the yarn orfiber band, a customer of the yarn or fiber band, a ship-to location ofthe yarn or fiber band, a manufacturer of an article comprising thefibers, a manufacture site of the article, a manufacturing line of thearticle, a production run of the article, a production date of thearticle, a package of the article, a warehouse of the article, acustomer of the article, or a ship-to location of the article.

In one aspect, the supply chain information comprises the manufacturerof the yarn or fiber band. In one aspect, the supply chain informationcomprises the manufacture site of the yarn or fiber band. In one aspectthe supply chain information comprises the manufacturing line of theyarn or fiber band. The manufacturing line of the yarn or fiber band isthe manufacturing line on which the yarn or fiber band was produced. Inone aspect, the supply chain information comprises the production run ofthe yarn or fiber band. The production run of the yarn or fiber band isthe production run within which the yarn or fiber band was produced. Inone aspect, the supply chain information comprises the production dateof the yarn or fiber band. The production date of the yarn or fiber bandis the production date on which the yarn or fiber band was produced. Inone aspect, the supply chain information comprises the bale of the yarnor fiber band. In one aspect, the supply chain information comprises thecustomer of the yarn or fiber band. The customer of the yarn or fiberband is the customer to whom the manufacturer plans to send or has sentthe yarn or fiber band. In one aspect, the supply chain informationcomprises the ship-to location of the yarn or fiber band. The ship-tolocation of the yarn or fiber band is the specific geographic locationto which the manufacturer plans to send or has sent the yarn or fiberband.

The disclosed embodiments also include the making an article with afiber band having any of the disclosed features. Additional disclosedembodiments also include an article comprising a fiber band having anyof the disclosed features. In other embodiments, the fibers having anyof the disclosed features are formed into a yarn.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate non-limiting examples of an environment 500depicting communication and shipping channels among entities consistentwith disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment, environment 500 of FIGS.5A and 5B may include one or more manufacturers 510, one or morecustomers 520, a black market 540 or other illicit trade network, one ormore requesting parties 530, one or more laboratories 560, andcommunication network 550. The components and arrangement of thecomponents included in environment 500 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5Aand 5B) may vary. Thus, environment 500 may include other componentsthat perform or assist in the performance of one or more processesconsistent with the disclosed embodiments.

In some aspects, network 550 may be any type of network configured toprovide communication means between systems of components of environment500 (e.g., manufacturing system 512 and/or laboratory system 562). Forexample, network 550 may be any type of network (includinginfrastructure) that facilitates communications, exchanges information,etc., such as the Internet, a Local Area Network, near fieldcommunication, and/or other suitable connection(s) that enables thesending and receiving of information between the component systemsassociated with environment 500. In other embodiments, one or morecomponent systems of environment 500 may communicate directly through adedicated communication link(s), such as links between manufacturer 510,customer 520, requesting party 530, and/or laboratory 560.

Further, and as stated above, manufacturers (e.g., manufacturer 510) mayproduce cellulose acetate fibers and fiber products that incorporate thecellulose acetate fibers on an industrial scale. In some embodiments,the produced cellulose acetate fibers and fiber products may includestandard fibers and identification fibers. Each of the identificationfibers exhibits one or more distinct features (e.g., distinctcross-section sizes, distinct cross-section shapes, distinct opticalproperties, and additionally or alternatively, distinct surfacemarkings, such as bar codes and repeating surface patterns) thatvisually distinguish the identification fibers from the standard fibers.In additional aspects, the identification fibers may include groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers that exhibit the same distinctfeature or the same combination of the distinct features. In additionalaspects, each of the groups may be associated with a correspondingnumber of the distinguishable identification fibers, defined as thefiber count which may correspond to a taggant fiber count. In someaspects a number of taggant fiber counts may be associated with eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers.

In other aspects, the identification fibers may include one or morechemical markers present in corresponding chemical marker amounts. Atleast one of the chemical marker amounts may, by way of example,represent a taggant chemical marker amount, which may distinguish theidentification fibers from the standard fibers. As stated above, the atleast one taggant chemical marker amount may be selected from a numberof taggant chemical marker amounts appropriate for inclusion within theidentification fibers. In certain aspects, the chemical markers, the atleast one taggant chemical marker amount, and/or the number of taggantchemical marker amounts may be representative of at least one supplychain component associated with fibers or fiber products, includingcellulose acetate fibers and fiber products.

In some embodiments, the inclusion of identification fibers in thecellulose acetate fibers may enable manufacturer 510 to tag thecellulose acetate fibers, and thus, the fiber products that include thecellulose acetate fibers, with supply chain information prior toshipment to customers 520. By way of example, fiber products consistentwith the disclosed embodiments may include, but are not limited to,cellulose acetate tow, loose bands of cellulose acetate tow, bales ofcellulose acetate tow, and fabrics and other articles that include thecellulose acetate fibers and/or tow.

For example, and in the context of cigarette manufacturing, customer 520may use a bale of acetate tow to produce various intermediate and/orfinal stage products (e.g., loose tow band, filter rods, filters, and/orcigarettes) and a fraction of these products can ultimately find theirway onto the black market (e.g., black market 440). Thus, because supplychain information can be determined from a sample of any black marketproduct having tagged identification fibers, a party interested incombating illicit trade (e.g., requesting party 530) may obtain a blackmarket product and submit a sample for analysis in order to identifysupply chain information associated with the black market product.

Thus, in one embodiment, requesting party 530 may provide the sample tomanufacturer 510, as depicted in FIG. 5A. Manufacturer 510 may, incertain aspects, analyze the sample to identify at least one componentof a supply chain associated with the sample. For example, the samplemay include standard and identification fibers, and in some instances,manufacturer 510 may analyze the sample using any of the exemplarytechniques outlined above.

Based on the analysis, manufacturer 510 may identify groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers that exhibit correspondingdistinct features or combinations of distinct features. As noted above,the distinct features include, but are not limited to, cross-sectionsize and/or cross-section shape. Manufacturer 510 may also identify thefiber count, the number of identification fibers in each of the groupsof distinguishable identification fibers. Manufacturer 510 may alsoestablish a number of taggant fiber counts for the exhibited groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers that, in some instances, representthe number of the taggant fiber count alternatives available for eachgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers.

In certain aspects, manufacturer 510 may access correlation data mappingcomponents of the supply chain to the exhibited distinct features,combinations of distinct features and/or the established taggant fibercounts. Manufacturer 510 may identify the at least one component of thesupply chain based on, for example, a comparison of the exhibiteddistinct features, combinations of distinct features and/or theestablished taggant fiber counts to the accessed correlation data. Insome instances, manufacturer 510 may transmit information identifyingthe at least one supply chain component to requesting party 530 (e.g.,across network 550).

In further embodiments, manufacturer 510 may identify one or morechemical markers present within the identification fibers, and further,may identify at least one taggant chemical marker amount associated withone or more of the identified chemical markers. The correlation dataaccessed by manufacturer 510 may, in some aspects, also map componentsof the supply chain to the identified chemical markers and/or the atleast one identified taggant chemical marker amount. Manufacturer 510may identify the at least one component of the supply chain based on,for example, a comparison of the identified chemical markers and/or theat least one identified taggant chemical marker amount to the accessedcorrelation data. In some instances, and as described above,manufacturer 510 may transmit information identifying the at least onesupply chain component to requesting party 530 (e.g., across network550).

In other embodiments, the accessed correlation data may map the supplychain components to not only the exhibited distinct features,combinations of distinct features, the taggant fiber counts, but also toa number of taggant fiber counts for each group of distinguishableidentification fibers. Thus, in some aspects, manufacturer 510 may alsoestablish (i.e., count) the number of the distinguishable identificationfibers included within each of the groups and determine thecorresponding taggant fiber count, and may identify the at least onecomponent of the supply chain based on, for example, a comparison of theexhibited distinct features, combinations of distinct features, theestablished taggant fiber counts, and/or the number of taggant fibercount to the accessed correlation data.

Further, as noted above, the distinguishable identification fibers mayinclude reference fibers having a corresponding reference cross-sectionshape and a corresponding reference cross-section size. The referencecross-section may, for example, represent an average effective diameterof at least a portion of the reference fibers, and in some aspects, thereference cross-section size may exceed, or alternatively, be smallerthan, the cross-section sizes of each of the other distinguishableidentification fibers in the sample. Thus, in an embodiment,manufacturer 510 may determine that a cross-section size of a firstgroup of the distinguishable identification fibers is larger than orsmaller than the cross-section sizes of each of the other groups of thedistinguishable identification fibers (e.g., using any of the exemplarytechniques described above), and may establish the first group of thedistinguishable identification fibers as the reference fibers.

In further aspects, a number of the reference fibers within the samplemay exceed the numbers of the distinguishable identification fiberswithin the other groups of distinguishable identification fibers. Thus,in an embodiment, manufacturer 510 may count the number ofidentification fibers included within each of the groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers, determine that the number of thedistinguishable identification fibers included within a first groups ofthe distinguishable identification fibers exceeds the numbers of thedistinguishable identification fibers within one or more of the othergroups of distinguishable identification fibers, and based on thedetermination, establish the first group of distinguishableidentification fibers as the reference fibers. For example, the numberof reference fibers in the sample may exceed a sum of the numbers of thedistinguishable identification fibers within each other of the groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers, and additionally oralternatively, the number of reference fibers may exceed a maximum ofthe numbers of the distinguishable identification fibers included withincorresponding ones of the other groups of distinguishable identificationfibers.

Furthermore, correlation data consistent with the disclosed embodimentsmay map the supply chain components to not only the exhibited distinctfeatures (e.g., cross-section size and/or shape, optical properties,surface markings, etc.), combinations of the distinct features, theestablished taggant fiber counts, and/or the number of taggant fibercounts, but also to the number of reference fibers counted within thesample. Thus, in some aspects, manufacturer 510 may identify the atleast one component of the supply chain based on, for example, acomparison of the exhibited distinct features and combinations ofdistinct features, the established taggant fiber counts, the number oftaggant fiber counts and/or the number of reference fibers countedwithin the sample to the accessed correlation data.

In the exemplary embodiments described above, manufacturer 510 mayanalyze the sample to identify at least one component of a supply chainassociated with the sample. The disclosed embodiments are, however, notlimited to exemplary analyses conducted by manufacturer 510, and infurther embodiments, customer 520, requesting party 530, or athird-party (not shown) may conduct the analysis for identifying supplychain information from tagged fibers.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, a laboratory 560 may act onbehalf of requesting party 530 and perform the analysis on the sample toidentify the at least one supply chain component associated with thesample. In some instances, laboratory 560 may represent a governmentalentity, a quasi-governmental entity, or a private entity capable ofperforming the analysis, and requesting party 530 may contract with orretain laboratory 560 to perform the analysis on a one-time or recurringbasis.

In other instances, however, laboratory 560 may be established by one ofmore of manufacturer 510, customers 520, and/or requesting party 530 inorder to regularly and reliably identify supply chain componentsassociated with samples taken from illicitly traded cellulose acetatefibers or fiber products that incorporate the cellulose acetate fibers(e.g., as obtained by requesting party 530 from black market 540).Laboratory 560 may, in certain aspects, perform the analysis of thesample in accordance with one or more procedures established by amanufacturer 510, customers 520, and/or requesting party 530. Forexample, one or more of manufacturer 510, customers 520, and/orrequesting party 530 may collectively establish standardized proceduresand protocols for receiving and handling samples, analyzing the samplesto identify the supply chain components in an accurate and repeatablemanner, and reporting portions of the identified supply chain componentsto manufacturer 510, customers 520, and/or requesting party 530.Further, in additional embodiments, laboratory 560 may also assign thedistinct features (e.g., cross-section size and/or shape, opticalproperties, surface markings, etc.), combinations of distinct features,the taggant fiber counts, and/or the number of taggant fiber counts tovarious components of the supply chain (e.g., manufacturers) to uniquelyidentify these supply chain components. In further embodiments, customer520, requesting party 530, or a third-party (not shown) may assign thisdistinct features, the combinations of distinct features, the taggantfiber counts, and/or the number of taggant fiber counts to variouscomponents of the supply chain (e.g., manufacturers) to uniquelyidentify these supply chain components.

In other embodiments, laboratory 160 may also assign chemical markers,at least one taggant chemical marker amount, and additionally oralternatively, numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts to variouscomponents of the supply chain (e.g., manufacturers) to uniquelyidentify these supply chain components. In further embodiments, customer520, requesting party 530, or a third-party (not shown) may assign aportion of the chemical markers, the at least one taggant chemicalmarker amount, and/or the numbers of taggant chemical marker to variouscomponents of the supply chain (e.g., manufacturers) to uniquelyidentify these supply chain components.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, requesting party 530 mayprovide the sample to laboratory 560. Laboratory 560 may, in certainaspects, analyze the sample to identify at least one component of asupply chain associated with the sample (e.g., a manufacturer). Forexample, using any of the exemplary techniques described above,laboratory 560 may analyze the sample to identify each of the groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers that exhibits the same distinctfeatures and/or the same combination of distinct features, count anumber of distinguishable identification fibers included within each ofthe groups (establishing the taggant fiber count for each group ofdistinguishable identification fibers), and additionally oralternatively, identify and count a number of reference fibers withinthe sample. Further, laboratory 560 may access correlation data, andusing any of the exemplary techniques described above, identify the atleast one supply chain component based on a comparison of the exhibiteddistinct features, combinations of distinct features, the establishedtaggant fiber counts, the number of taggant fiber counts, and/or thenumber of reference fibers included within the sample to the accessedcorrelation data.

In additional embodiments, laboratory 560 may function as a centralizedfacility that assigns unique distinct features, combinations of distinctfeatures (e.g., as exhibited by groups of distinguishable identificationfibers), taggant fiber counts (e.g., representative of the number offibers in each group of distinguishable identification fibers), and/or anumber of taggant fiber counts (e.g., as representative of a number ofthe of alternative fiber counts) to various components of the supplychain (e.g., to manufacturer 510). For example, laboratory 560 mayassign, to manufacturer 510, a particular taggant fiber count (e.g., ataggant fiber count of ten) and/or particular combinations ofcross-section size and shape (e.g., large and small Y-shapedidentification fibers, and large and small D-shaped identificationfibers).

When exhibited by identification fibers included within celluloseacetate fibers and corresponding fiber products produced by manufacturer510, the assigned combinations of cross-section size and cross-sectionshape and/or taggant fiber counts may uniquely represent manufacturer510 and may enable laboratory 560 (and additionally or alternatively,any other entity within environment 500) to identify manufacturer 510 asa source of the fiber products using any of the analytical techniquesdescribed above. Further, laboratory 560 (and additionally oralternatively, any other entity within environment 500) may alsoestablish and maintain data records (e.g., within a centralized databaseimplemented using the exemplary computing systems outlined below) thatidentify a correlation between the various supply chain components(e.g., manufacturer 510) and corresponding ones of the assigned distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts,and/or number of taggant fiber counts.

The disclosed embodiments are, however, not limited to the assignment ofexemplary taggant fiber counts, cross-section sizes, and cross-sectionshapes to manufacturer 510. In further embodiments, laboratory 560 mayassign any additional or alternate set or combinations of sets ofdistinct features to uniquely identify manufacturer 510. For example,laboratory 560 may assign one or more cross-section sizes and/or one ormore cross-section shapes to manufacturer 510. In other instances,laboratory 560 may assign one or more optical properties, andadditionally or alternatively, one or more surface markings, torepresent manufacturer 510, either alone or in combination with theassigned cross-section sizes and/or shapes.

In certain aspects, laboratory 560 may establish a centralizedrepository for data and data records (e.g., using any of the exemplarycomputing systems outlined below) that correlate the various supplychain components (e.g., manufacturer 510) to corresponding ones oftaggant fiber counts, distinct features (e.g., cross-section size and/orshape, optical properties, surface markings, etc.), combinations of thedistinct features, and/or number of taggant fiber counts. Further, inother aspects, laboratory 560 may access the centralized repository andgenerate one or more reports specifying the taggant fiber counts, thedistinct features, the combinations of distinct features, and/or thenumber of taggant fiber counts that uniquely identify at least one ofthe supply chain components (e.g., manufacturers). Laboratory 560 may,in some instances, generate the reports at predetermined intervals or inresponse to received requests (e.g., from requesting party 530,manufacturer 510, etc.), and may provide the generated reports tovarious parties and entities within environment 500 (e.g., acrossnetwork 550).

In some embodiments, laboratory 560 may access the centralizedrepository to identify at least one supply chain component (e.g.,manufacturer 510) associated with a distinct feature, combination ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fibercounts determined by laboratory 560 (e.g., using any of the analyticaltechniques outlined above) and additionally or alternatively, obtainedfrom any third party or other entity within environment 500. Further,and as described below, the centralized repository may enable laboratory560 to determine whether proposed distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, proposed taggant fiber counts, and/or proposed numberof taggant fiber counts (e.g., as selected by manufacturer 510) arecapable of uniquely representing fibers and fiber products ofmanufacturer 510 that are introduced into the supply chain.

In certain embodiments, laboratory 560 may receive proposed distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features (e.g., proposedcross-section sizes and/or cross-section shapes), proposed taggant fibercounts, and/or proposed number of taggant fiber counts from manufacturer510. Laboratory 560 may, for example, compare the proposed distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features, proposed taggant fibercounts, and/or proposed number of taggant fiber counts against theestablished data records (e.g., within the centralized repository) todetermine whether these proposed distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, proposed taggant fiber counts, and/or proposed numberof taggant fiber counts are capable of uniquely identifying manufacturer510 (e.g., that the proposed distinct features, combinations of distinctfeatures, proposed taggant fiber, pace that counts are assigned to noother supply chain components, such as another manufacturer). If theproposed distinct features, combinations of distinct features, proposedtaggant fiber counts, and/or proposed number of taggant fiber countscould uniquely represent manufacturer 510, laboratory 560 may assign theproposed distinct features, combinations of distinct features, proposedtaggant fiber counts, and/or proposed number of taggant fiber counts tomanufacturer 510, update the data records to reflect the assignment, andprovide confirmation of the assignment to manufacturer 510 (e.g.,between computing systems of laboratory 560 and manufacturer 510 acrossnetwork 550).

Alternatively, if laboratory 560 previously assigned the proposeddistinct features, combinations of distinct features, proposed taggantfiber counts and/or proposed number of taggant fiber counts to anothermanufacturer (or the proposed distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, proposed taggant fiber counts, and/or proposed numberof taggant fiber counts are inappropriate to represent manufacturer510), laboratory 560 may assign alternate distinct features,combinations of distinct features, alternate taggant fiber counts,and/or alternative number of taggant fiber counts to manufacturer 510,update the data records to reflect the alternate assignment, and provideconfirmation of the alternate assignment to manufacturer 510. In otheraspects, laboratory 560 could provide, to manufacturer 510, anindication of the assignment of the proposed distinct features,combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or numberof taggant fiber counts to another manufacturer, and request thatmanufacturer 510 propose additional distinct features, combination ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fibercounts for assignment by laboratory 560, as described above.

In certain aspects, upon confirmation of the assignment, manufacturer510 may obtain and/or produce identification fibers that exhibit theassigned distinct features, combinations of distinct features, thetaggant fiber counts, number of taggant fiber counts. For example, theobtained or produced identification fibers may include groups ofdistinguishable identification fibers that exhibit the assigned distinctfeatures or combinations of distinct features and further, are presentin the fiber counts that correspond to the assigned taggant fibercounts.

In other aspects, however, manufacturer 510 may further correlate theassigned distinct features, combinations of distinct features, thetaggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fiber counts to one ormore upstream components of the supply chain (e.g., a manufacture site,a manufacturing line, a production run, a production date, a bale)and/or various downstream components of the supply chain (e.g., awarehouse, a customer, a ship-to location, etc.). For example,manufacturer 510 may further specify fiber counts, in combination withthe assigned distinct features, combinations of distinct features,taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fiber counts uniquelyrepresent a particular customer within the supply chain (e.g., customer520).

The disclosed embodiments are, however, not limited to techniques thatenable manufacturer 510 to correlate customer 510 to assigned distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts,and/or number of taggant fiber counts. In further embodiments,manufacturer 510 may specify any additional or alternate taggantinformation (e.g., numbers of reference fibers, etc.) to represent otherupstream or downstream supply components (or combinations thereof) inconjunction with the assigned distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or number of taggant fibercounts.

In some aspects, while laboratory 560, or another entity, may maintaininformation linking manufacturer 510 to assigned distinct features,combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or numberof taggant fiber counts manufacturer 510 may hold confidentialadditional taggant information (e.g., fiber counts, numbers of referencefibers, non-assigned taggant fiber counts, etc.) that linksidentification fibers, and thus fiber products produced by manufacturer510, to other upstream and downstream components of the supply chain.The confidentiality of the additional taggant information may, incertain instances, enable manufacturer 510 to prevent laboratory 560from identifying customers (e.g., customer 520), ship-to locations,warehouses, and other internal supply chain components (e.g.,manufacture site or line, and production run or date) associated withmanufacturer 510.

In further embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 5B, requesting party 530 mayprovide the sample to laboratory 560. Laboratory 560 may, in certainaspects, analyze the sample to identify at least one component of asupply chain associated with the sample (e.g., a manufacturer). Forexample, using any of the exemplary techniques described above,laboratory 560 may analyze the sample to identify chemical markers andfurther, at least one taggant chemical marker amount present within thesample. Further, laboratory 560 may access correlation data, and usingany of the exemplary techniques described above, identify the at leastone supply chain component based on a comparison of the chemical markersand/or the at least one taggant chemical marker amount to the accessedcorrelation data.

In additional embodiments, laboratory 560 may function as a centralizedfacility that assigns unique chemical markers, taggant chemical markeramounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts to variouscomponents of the supply chain (e.g., to manufacturer 510). For example,laboratory 560 may assign one or more chemical markers and at least onetaggant chemical marker amount to manufacturer 510.

When present in identification fibers included within cellulose acetatefibers and corresponding fiber products produced by manufacturer 510,the assigned chemical markers and/or at least one taggant chemicalmarker amount may uniquely represent manufacturer 510 and may enablelaboratory 560 (and additionally or alternatively, any other entitywithin environment 500) to identify manufacturer 510 as a source of thefiber products using any of the analytical techniques described above.Further, laboratory 560 (and additionally or alternatively, any otherentity within environment 500) may also establish and maintain datarecords (e.g., within a centralized database implemented using theexemplary computing systems outlined below) that identify a correlationbetween the various supply chain components (e.g., manufacturer 510) andthe assigned chemical markers and at least one taggant chemical markeramount (and additionally or alternative, one or more assigned numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts).

In certain aspects, laboratory 560 may establish a centralizedrepository for data and data records (e.g., using any of the exemplarycomputing systems outlined below) that correlate the various supplychain components (e.g., manufacturer 510) to corresponding ones ofchemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts. Further, in other aspects, laboratory560 may access the centralized repository and generate one or morereports specifying the chemical markers, taggant chemical markeramounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts that uniquelyidentify at least one of the supply chain components (e.g.,manufacturers). Laboratory 560 may, in some instances, generate thereports at predetermined intervals or in response to received requests(e.g., from requesting party 530, manufacturer 510, etc.), and mayprovide the generated reports to various parties and entities withinenvironment 500 (e.g., across network 550).

In some embodiments, laboratory 560 may access the centralizedrepository to identify at least one supply chain component (e.g.,manufacturer 510) associated with at least one chemical marker and/or atleast one taggant chemical marker amount identified by laboratory 560(e.g., using any of the analytical techniques outlined above) andadditionally or alternatively, obtained from any third party or otherentity within environment 500. Further, and as described below, thecentralized repository may enable laboratory 560 to determine whetherproposed chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/ornumbers of taggant chemical marker amounts (e.g., as selected bymanufacturer 510) are capable of uniquely representing fibers and fiberproducts of manufacturer 510 that are introduced into the supply chain.

In certain embodiments, laboratory 560 may receive proposed chemicalmarkers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggantchemical marker amounts from manufacturer 510. Laboratory 560 may, forexample, compare the proposed chemical markers, taggant chemical markeramounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts against theestablished data records (e.g., within the centralized repository) todetermine whether these proposed chemical markers, taggant chemicalmarker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts arecapable of uniquely identifying manufacturer 510 (e.g., that theproposed chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/ornumbers of taggant chemical marker amounts are assigned to no othersupply chain components, such as another manufacturer). If the proposedchemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts could uniquely represent manufacturer510, laboratory 560 may assign the proposed chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical markeramounts to manufacturer 510, update the data records to reflect theassignment, and provide confirmation of the assignment to manufacturer510 (e.g., between computing systems of laboratory 560 and manufacturer510 across network 550).

Alternatively, if laboratory 560 previously assigned the proposedchemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts to another manufacturer (or the proposedchemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts are inappropriate to representmanufacturer 510), laboratory 560 may assign alternate chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts to manufacturer 510, update the data records to reflectthe alternate assignment, and provide confirmation of the alternateassignment to manufacturer 510. In other aspects, laboratory 560 couldprovide, to manufacturer 510, an indication of the assignment of theproposed chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/ornumbers of taggant chemical marker amounts to another manufacturer, andrequest that manufacturer 510 propose additional chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts for assignment by laboratory 560, as described above.

In certain aspects, upon confirmation of the assignment, manufacturer510 may obtain and/or produce identification fibers that include theassigned chemical markers. For example, the assigned chemical markersmay be present within the obtained or produced identification fibers incorresponding chemical marker amounts (e.g., by weight of theidentification fibers), at least a portion of which correspond to theassigned taggant chemical marker amounts.

In other aspects, however, manufacturer 510 may further correlate theassigned chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/ornumbers of taggant chemical marker amounts to one or more upstreamcomponents of the supply chain (e.g., a manufacture site, amanufacturing line, a production run, a production date, a bale) and/orvarious downstream components of the supply chain (e.g., a warehouse, acustomer, a ship-to location, etc.). For example, manufacturer 510 mayfurther specify assigned one or more of chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical markeramounts to uniquely represent a particular customer within the supplychain (e.g., customer 520).

The disclosed embodiments are, however, not limited to techniques thatenable manufacturer 510 to correlate customer 520 to assigned chemicalmarkers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggantchemical marker amounts. In further embodiments, manufacturer 510 mayspecify any additional or alternate taggant information to representother upstream or downstream supply components (or combinations thereof)in conjunction with the assigned chemical markers, taggant chemicalmarker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts.

In some aspects, while laboratory 560, or another entity, may maintaininformation linking manufacturer 510 to assigned chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts, manufacturer 510 may hold confidential additionaltaggant information (e.g., non-assigned chemical markers, non-assignedtaggant chemical marker amounts, etc.) that links identification fibers,and thus fiber products produced by manufacturer 510, to other upstreamand downstream components of the supply chain. The confidentiality ofthe additional taggant information may, in certain instances, enablemanufacturer 510 to prevent laboratory 560 from identifying customers(e.g., customer 520), ship-to locations, warehouses, and other internalsupply chain components (e.g., manufacture site or line, and productionrun or date) associated with manufacturer 510.

The embodiments described above identify particular combinations oftaggant information that correlate to a specific component of a supplychain and, when exhibited in identification fibers of a sample, enable alaboratory, a manufacturer, or other entities to identify the specificsupply chain component associated with the sample. One of ordinary skillin the art would, however, understand that the disclosed embodiments arenot limited to the particular combinations or taggant informationoutlined above, and in further embodiments, specific supply chaincomponents may be correlated with any additional or alternate physical,chemical, and/or optical characteristic exhibited by the identificationfibers, either alone or in combination. Moreover, while not depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B, one of skill in the art would understand that entitiesassociated with environment 500 (shown and not shown) may employ one ormore warehouses to store raw materials, intermediate products, finalstage products, etc. in conducting operations consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example of a computing system 600 usedby one or more entities consistent with disclosed embodiments.Variations of exemplary system 600 may be used by manufacturer 510(e.g., as manufacturer system 512), customer 520, requesting party 530,and/or laboratory 560 (e.g., as laboratory system 562). In oneembodiment, system 600 may comprise one or more processors 621, one ormore input/output (I/O) devices 622, and one or more memories 623. Insome embodiments, system 600 may take the form of a server, mainframecomputer, or any combination of these components. In some embodiments,system 600 may take the form of a mobile computing device such as asmartphone, tablet, laptop computer, or any combination of thesecomponents. Alternatively, system 600 may be configured as a particularapparatus, embedded system, dedicated circuit, and the like based on thestorage, execution, and/or implementation of the software instructionsthat perform one or more operations consistent with the disclosedembodiments.

Processor 621 may include one or more known processing devices, such asmobile device microprocessors or any various other processors. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processor(s)configured in system 600.

Memory 623 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinstructions used by processor 624 to perform functions related to thedisclosed embodiments. For example, memory 623 may be configured withone or more software instructions, such as program(s) 624 that mayperform one or more operations consistent with disclosed embodimentswhen executed by processor 621. The disclosed embodiments are notlimited to separate programs or computers configured to performdedicated tasks. For example, memory 623 may include a single program624 that performs the functions of system 600, or program 624 maycomprise multiple programs. Memory 623 may also store data 625 that isused by one or more programs 612, such as correlation data mappingdistinct features to one or more components of the supply chaininformation.

I/O devices 622 may be one or more devices configured to allow data tobe received and/or transmitted by system 600. I/O devices 622 mayinclude one or more digital and/or analog devices that allow componentsof environment 500 to communicate with other machines and devices, suchas other components of environment 500. For example, I/O devices 622 mayinclude a screen for displaying messages, distinct feature information,supply chain information, or providing other information to the user,such as an employee of manufacturer 510, customer 520, requesting party530, and/or laboratory 560. I/O devices 622 may also include one or moredigital and/or analog devices that allow a user to interact with system600 such as a touch-sensitive area, keyboard, buttons, or microphones.I/O devices 622 may also include other components known in the art forinteracting with a user.

The components of system 600 may be implemented in hardware, software,or a combination of both hardware and software, as will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example, although one or more componentsof system 600 may be implemented as computer processing instructions,all or a portion of the functionality of system 600 may be implementedinstead in dedicated electronics hardware.

System 600 may also be communicatively connected to one or moredatabase(s) 627. System 600 may be communicatively connected todatabase(s) 627 through network 550. Database 627 may include one ormore memory devices that store information and are accessed and/ormanaged through system 600. By way of example, database(s) 627 mayinclude Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, or other relationaldatabases or non-relational databases, such as Hadoop sequence files,HBase, or Cassandra.

The databases or other files may include, for example, data andinformation related to distinct features, supply chain information,correlation data mapping the distinct features to the supply chaininformation, data indicative of distinct features assigned to the supplychain information, etc. For example, the databases and other files mayinclude correlation data mapping the supply chain components to distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts,number of taggant fiber counts, and/or numbers of reference fibersincluded in fiber samples, as described above. Further, by way ofexample, the databases and other files may also include distinctfeatures, combinations of the distinct features, the taggant fibercounts, number of taggant fiber counts, and/or the numbers of referencefibers included in fiber samples assigned to supply chain components bylaboratory 560, as outlined above.

Systems and methods of disclosed embodiments, however, are not limitedto separate databases. In one aspect, system 600 may include database627. Alternatively, database 627 may be located remotely from the system600. Database 627 may include computing components (e.g., databasemanagement system, database server, etc.) configured to receive andprocess requests for data stored in memory devices of database(s) 627and to provide data from database 627.

Although the above description has designated laboratory 560 as theentity assigning various taggants, in other aspects, manufacturer 510,customer 520, requesting party 530 or a third-party entity not shown maybe the one assigning taggants for identification fibers. Furthermore, asseen from FIGS. 5A and 5B, although the description has focused oncellulose acetate tow and the black market associated with cigarettefilters, the embodiments clearly apply to fibers of any material and anyarticle subject to illicit trade.

FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for embeddingsupply chain information into fibers, as seen and described above withrespect to disclosed embodiments. The illustrated process comprises step702, obtain standard fibers; step 704, identifying one or more distinctfeatures, combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts,and/or number of taggant fiber counts representative of at least onecomponent of the supply chain; step 706, obtain identification fibersthat exhibit the distinct features, exhibit the combinations of distinctfeatures, are associated with the taggant fiber counts, and/or areassociated with the number of taggant fiber counts; step 708, combinethe standard fibers and the identification fibers to form fibers and/ora fiber product: and step 710, provide the fibers and/or the fiberproduct to a customer.

FIG. 8 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for generatingcorrelation data, as seen and described above with respect to disclosedembodiments. For example, as described in FIG. 8, manufacturer 510 (andadditionally or alternatively, laboratory 560) may perform step 802 bygenerating a first structured list of the supply chain components havingone or more corresponding attributes, and may preform step 804 bygenerating a second structured list of the distinct features (e.g.,cross-section size and/or shape, optical properties, surface markings,etc.). In some aspects, manufacturer 510 may perform step 806 byestablishing measurable gradations of the distinct features included inthe second structured list, and further, may perform steps 808 and 810by mapping (i) elements of the first structured list to elements of thesecond structured list and (ii) the attributes of the supply chaincomponents to the established measurable gradations. Manufacturer 510may, in additional aspects. perform step 812 by storing correlation data(e.g., in database 627) reflecting the mapping of the elements of thefirst and second structured lists and the mapping of the supplyattributes of the supply chain components to the established measurablegradations.

FIG. 9 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forgenerating correlation data, as seen and described above with respect todisclosed embodiments. For example, as described in FIG. 9, laboratory560 (and additionally or alternatively, manufacturer 510) may performstep 902 by generating a first structured list of components of thesupply chain. In one instance, the supply chain components may representone or more corresponding attributes. Laboratory 560 may also performstep 904 by establishing measurable gradations in the distinct features(e.g., gradations in cross-section size and/or shape, opticalproperties, surface markings, etc.), and may perform step 906 bygenerating a second structured list comprising distinct combinations ofthe established measurable gradations of the distinct features. In someaspects, laboratory 560 may perform step 908 by generating a thirdstructured list identifying potential groups of the distinguishableidentification fibers that exhibit corresponding ones of distinctfeatures or combinations of the distinct features included within thethird structured list. The potential groups of the distinguishableidentification fibers may, for example, be capable of representing thesupply chain components included within the first structured list.Laboratory 560 may further perform steps 910 and 912 by mapping theattributes of the supply chain components to the potential groups of thedistinguishable identification fibers, and storing correlation data(e.g., in database 627) reflecting the mapping of the attributes of thesupply chain components to the potential groups of the distinguishableidentification fibers.

FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for producingidentification fibers, as seen and described above with respect todisclosed embodiments. The illustrated process comprises step 1002,receive indication of one or more supply chain information components toreflect in identification fibers; step 1004, access database storingcorrelation data mapping distinct features and/or combinations ofdistinct features to supply chain information components; step 1006,identify distinct features and/or combinations of distinct featuresassociated with one or more supply chain information components; step1008, choose manufacturing method(s) associated with producingidentification fibers with identified distinct features and/orcombinations of distinct features; and step 1010, produce identificationfibers according to manufacturing method(s).

FIG. 11 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for choosing oneor more method for manufacturing identification fibers, as seen anddescribed above with respect to disclosed embodiments. The illustratedprocess comprises step 1102, receive selection of distinct features;step 1104 determine cross-section shapes, number of ID fibers, and/orthe size of cross-section shapes, if any; step 1106 select spinneretdesign and processing conditions based on the determination of step1104; step 1108, decide whether to include surface markings; if surfacemarkings are to be included, then steps 1110 and 1112 are performed todetermine surface markings and select equipment for physical scoring,surface morphology modification, and/or photochemical reaction based ondetermination of step 1110; step 1114, deciding whether to includerepeated patterns; if repeated patterns are to be included, then steps1116 and 1118 are performed to receive pattern for varying distinctivefeatures along ID fiber and calibrate equipment based on receivedpattern of step 1116; and step 1120, produce ID fibers.

FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for identifyingat least one supply chain component associated with a fiber sample, asseen and described above with respect to disclosed embodiments. Theillustrated process comprises step 1202, receive request to identifysupply chain information associated with a fiber sample; step 1204,analyze the fiber sample for identification fibers including one or moregroups of distinguishable identification fibers exhibiting correspondingdistinct features and/or combinations of distinct features; step 1206,establish taggant fiber counts and/or a number of taggant fiber countsassociated with the groups of the distinguishable identification fibers;step 1208, access a database storing correlation data mapping supplychain components to the exhibited distinct features, the exhibitedcombinations of distinct features, the established taggant fiber counts,and/or the established number of taggant fiber counts; step 1210,identify at least one component of the supply chain based on thecorrelation data and the exhibited distinct features, the exhibitedcombinations of distinct features, the established taggant fiber counts,and/or the established number of taggant fiber counts; and step 1212,transmit information identifying the at least one supply chain componentto a requesting party.

FIG. 13 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for assigning,to supply chain components, combinations of distinct features andtaggant fiber counts that uniquely represent the supply chaincomponents, as seen and described above with respect to disclosedembodiments. The illustrated process comprises step 1302, receiveproposed distinct features, combinations of distinct features, taggantfiber counts, and/or a number of taggant fiber counts from amanufacturer; step 1304, access a data base storing distinct features,combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or a numberof taggant fiber counts previously assigned to supply chain components;step 1306, determine if the proposed distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or a number of taggantfiber counts are previously assigned; if the determination of step 1306is yes, then perform step 1312, assign alternate distinct features,combinations of distinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or a numberof taggant fiber counts to the manufacturer or request that themanufacturer propose additional distinct features, combinations ofdistinct features, taggant fiber counts, and/or a number of taggantfiber counts; if the determination of step 1306 is no, then perform step1308, assign the proposed distinct features, combinations of distinctfeatures, taggant fiber counts, and/or a number of taggant fiber countsto the manufacturer; and step 1310, provide confirmation of assignmentto the manufacturer.

FIG. 14 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forembedding supply chain information into fibers, as seen and describedabove with respect to disclosed embodiments. The illustrated processcomprises step 1402, obtain standard fibers; step 1404, identify one ormore chemical markers and/or taggant chemical marker amountsrepresentative of at least one component of the supply chain; step 1406,obtain identification fibers that include the one or more chemicalmarkers and/or taggant chemical marker amounts; step 1408, combine thestandard fibers and the identification fibers to form fibers and/or afiber product; and step 1410, provide fibers and/or the fiber product toa customer.

FIG. 15 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forgenerating correlation data, as seen and described above with respect todisclosed embodiments. For example, as described in FIG. 15,manufacturer 510 (and additionally or alternatively, laboratory 560) mayperform step 1502 by generating a first structured first of the supplychain components having one or more corresponding attributes, and mayperform step 1504 by generating a second structured list of chemicalmarkers available for inclusion within identification fibers. In someaspects, manufacturer 510 may perform step 1506 by identifying one ormore taggant chemical marker amounts that are available and appropriatefor inclusion within the identification fibers (e.g., as selected froman assigned number of taggant chemical marker amounts for the availablechemical markers), and may perform step 1508 by generating a thirdstructured list of combinations of the chemical markers included in thefirst structured list and the one or more taggant chemical markeramounts. Manufacturer 510 may also perform steps 1510 and 1512 bymapping (i) elements of the first structured list to elements of thesecond structured list and (ii) elements of the first structured list toelements of the third structured list. Manufacturer 510 may, inadditional aspects, perform step 1514 by storing correlation data (e.g.,in database 627) reflecting the mapping of the elements of the first andsecond structured lists and the mapping of the elements of the first andthird structured lists.

FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for generatingcorrelation data, as seen and described above with respect to disclosedembodiments. For example, as described in FIG. 16, manufacturer 510 (andadditionally or alternatively, laboratory 560) may perform step 1602 bygenerating a first structured list of the supply chain components havingone or more corresponding attributes, and may perform step 1604 bygenerating a second structured list of chemical markers available forinclusion within identification fibers. In some aspects, manufacturer510 may perform step 1606 by generating a third structured listidentifying numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts (e.g., of theavailable chemical markers) that are capable of representing the supplychain components included within the first structured list. Manufacturer510 may also perform steps 1608 and 1610 by mapping (i) elements of thefirst structured list to elements of the second structured list and (ii)elements of the first structured list to elements of the thirdstructured list. Manufacturer 510 may, in additional aspects, performstep 1612 by storing correlation data (e.g., in database 627) reflectingthe mapping of the elements of the first and second structured lists andthe mapping of the elements of the first and third structured lists.

FIG. 17 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process forproducing identification fibers, as seen and described above withrespect to disclosed embodiments. The illustrated process comprises step1702, receive indication of one or more supply chain informationcomponents to reflect in identification fibers; step 1704. accessdatabase storing correlation data mapping chemical markers and/ortaggant chemical marker amounts to supply chain information components;step 1706 identify chemical markers and/or taggant chemical markeramounts associated with one or more supply chain information components;step 1708, choose manufacturing method(s) associated with producingidentification fibers with identified chemical markers and/or tagqantchemical marker amounts; and step 1710, produce identification fibersaccording to manufacturing method(s).

FIG. 18 illustrates an additional non-limiting example of a process foridentifying at least one supply chain component associated with a fibersample, as seen and described above with respect to disclosedembodiments, The illustrated process comprises step 1802, receiverequest to identify supply chain information associated with a fibersample; step 1804, analyze the fiber sample for identification fibersincluding one or more chemical markers; step 1806, identify the one ormore chemical markers and/or tagqant chemical marker amounts; step 1808,access a database storing correlation data mapping supply chaincomponents to the identified chemical markers and/or tagqant chemicalmarker amounts; step 1810, identify at least one component of supplychain information based on the correlation data and the identifiedchemical markers and/or tagqant chemical marker amounts; step 1812,transmit information identifying the at least one supply chain componentto a requesting party.

FIG. 19 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for identifyingchemical markers from identification fibers, as seen and described abovewith respect to disclosed embodiments, The illustrated process comprisesstep 1902, select a solvent; step 1904, dissolve a fiber band from asample in the solvent; step 1906 determine if there are undissolvedfibers; if there are undissolved fibers perform step 1908, analyzeundissolved fibers for distinct feature(s) and/or observable chemicalmarker(s) and step 1910, dissolve portion(s) of undissolved fibers inone or more additional solvents; step 1912, characterize each chemicalmarker present in the sample solution according to chosen analysistechnique(s); step 1914, identify the concentration of each chemicalmarker; step 1916, generate deconvoluted spectra based oncharacterizations and concentrations for chemical markers; step 1918,determine if multiple makers are present; if the determination of step1918 is yes, then perform step 1920, extract serial number from thedeconvoluted spectrum; step 1922, determine if non-volatile compoundsare present; if the determination of step 1922 is yes, then perform step1924, identify molecular constituents of non-volatile compounds presentin the sample solution, and step 1926, determine the quantify ofnon-volatile components in the sample solution; and step 1928, identifythe chemical markers.

FIG. 20 illustrates a non-limiting example of a process for assigning,to supply chain components, combinations of chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts, and/or number of taggant chemical markeramounts that uniquely represent the supply chain components, as seen anddescribed above with respect to disclosed embodiments. The illustratedprocess comprises step 2002, receive proposed chemical markers, taggantchemical marker amounts. and/or numbers of taggant chemical markeramounts from a manufacturer; step 2004, access a data base storingchemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers oftaggant chemical marker amounts previously assigned to supply chaincomponents; step 2006, determine if the proposed chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts were previously assigned; if the determination of step2006 is yes, then perform step 2012, assign alternate chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts to the manufacturer or request that the manufacturerproposed additional chemical markers, taggant chemical marker amounts,and/or numbers of taggant chemical marker amounts; if the determinationof step 2006 is no, then perform step 2008, assign the chemical markers,taggant chemical marker amounts, and/or numbers of taggant chemicalmarker amounts to the manufacturer; and step 2010, provide confirmationof assignment to the manufacturer.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. It will be understood that variations andmodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thedisclosed embodiments. It is further intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.

Listed below are non-limiting embodiments A1-A28.

A1. Fibers comprising identification fibers, (a) wherein a portion ofthe identification fibers comprise 1 to 100, 1 to 50, 1 to 20, or 1 to10 chemical markers, wherein an amount of each of the chemical markers,based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemical marker amount,wherein at least one of the chemical marker amounts corresponds to ataggant chemical marker amount, and (b) wherein a portion of theidentification fibers exhibits at least one distinct feature, whereinthe identification fibers comprise one or more groups of distinguishableidentification fibers, each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers being formed by the identification fibers having the samedistinct feature or a same combination of the distinct features, whereina number of the identification fibers in each group of thedistinguishable identification fibers is defined as a fiber count,wherein at least one of the fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fibercount, and (c) wherein (i) the chemical markers, (ii) the taggantchemical marker amounts, (iii) the distinct features in each group ofthe distinguishable identification fibers, and (iv) the taggant fibercounts are representative of at least one supply chain component of thefibers.

A2. The fibers of embodiment A1, further comprising standard fibers,wherein the chemical marker amount of each of the chemical markersranges from 1 ppb to 10,000 ppm, based on the weight of the fibers.

A3. The fibers of any of embodiments A1 or A2, wherein the chemicalmarkers comprise 1 to 50, 1 to 25, or 1 to 10 taggant non-volatileorganic compounds or 1 to 50, 1 to 25, or 1 to 10 taggant polymericadditives, wherein a number of the taggant marker amounts for each ofthe chemical markers ranges from 1 to 25, 1 to 10, or 1 to 5 wherein ofthe distinct features comprise 1 to 20, 1 to 10, or 1 to 5 taggantcross-section shapes, 1 to 20, 1 to 10, or 1 to 5 taggant cross-sectionsizes, or 1 to 20, 1 to 10, or 1 to 5 taggant optical properties, and anumber of the taggant fiber counts for each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers ranges from 1 to 10, 1 to 5 or 1 to 3.

A4. The fibers of embodiment A3, wherein the taggant nonvolatile organiccompounds comprise lauric acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid; orwherein the taggant polymeric additives comprise polystyrene having anaverage molecular weight of 500 to 100,000.

A5. The fibers of any of embodiments A1-A4, wherein each of the chemicalmarker amounts ranges from 500 ppb to 5,000 ppm, based on the weight ofthe fibers.

A6. The fibers of any of embodiments A3-A5, wherein the identificationfibers comprise reference fibers, wherein the reference fibers exhibit areference cross-section size and a reference cross-section shape,wherein a ratio of each of the taggant cross-section sizes to thereference cross-section size ranges from 20:1 to 1:20, and wherein thereference cross-section size and the taggant cross-section sizes aredetermined based upon an effective diameter.

A7. The fibers of any of embodiments A1-A6, wherein the identificationfibers comprise acrylic, modacrylic, aramid, nylon, polyester,polypropylene, rayon, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene, PTFE, orcellulose acetate.

A8. The fibers of any of embodiments A2-A7, wherein the standard fiberscomprise cellulose acetate.

A9. The fibers of any of embodiments A3-A8, wherein a portion of theidentification fibers comprise a compound selected from the groupconsisting of CHROMOPHTAL® Red 2030 (CAS No. 84632-65-5), CopperPhthalocyanine (CAS No. 147-14-8), FD&C Yellow Lake No. 5 (CAS No.12225-21-7), anatase titanium dioxide, rutile titanium dioxide, andmixed-phase titanium dioxide, whereby the taggant optical properties areexhibited.

A10. The fibers of any of embodiments A2-A9, wherein the at least onesupply chain component comprises at least one of a manufacturer of thestandard fibers, a manufacture site of the standard fibers, amanufacturing line of the standard fibers, a production run of thestandard fibers, a production date of the standard fibers, a package ofthe standard fibers, a warehouse of the standard fibers, a customer ofthe standard fibers, a ship-to location of the standard fibers; amanufacturer of a fiber band comprising the fibers, a manufacturing siteof the fiber band, a manufacturing line of the fiber band, a productionrun of the fiber band, a production date of the fiber band, a package ofthe fiber band, a warehouse of the fiber band, a customer of the fiberband, a ship-to location of the fiber band; a manufacturer of an articlecomprising the fibers, a manufacture site of the article, amanufacturing line of the article, a production run of the article, aproduction date of the article, a package of the article, a warehouse ofthe article, a customer of the article, or a ship-to location of thearticle.

A11. An acetate tow band comprising the fibers of any of the embodimentsA1-A10, wherein the fibers comprise cellulose acetate, or an acetate towband comprising the fibers of any of the embodiments A2-A10, wherein thestandard fibers comprise cellulose acetate.

A12. A method of making an acetate tow band comprising any of the fibersof embodiments A2-A10, wherein the method comprises: (a) obtaining theidentification fibers; (b) producing the standard fibers on a firstfiber production process; and (c) combining the identification fibersand the standard fibers into the acetate tow band.

A13. The method of embodiment A12, wherein the obtaining of theidentification fibers comprises at least one of (i) producing a portionof the identification fibers on the first fiber production process, (ii)producing a portion of the identification fibers on a second fiberproduction process, or (iii) receiving at least a portion of theidentification fibers from a third party.

A14. The method of embodiment A13, wherein one or more of the chemicalmarkers is added to a spinning solution upstream of the first fiberproduction process, at a spinning cabinet contained within the firstfiber production process, or at an individual spinneret contained withinthe spinning cabinet.

A15. The method of any of embodiments A13 or A14, wherein one or more ofthe chemical markers are applied to a portion of the identificationfibers at any point before the combining of the standard fibers andidentification fibers into the acetate tow band.

A16. The method of any of embodiments A13-A15, wherein the methodfurther comprises adding a compound to a spinning solution used toproduce a portion of the identification fibers, wherein the compound isselected from the group consisting of CHROMOPHTAL® Red 2030 (CAS No.84632-65-5), Copper Phthalocyanine (CAS No, 147-14-8), FD&C Yellow LakeNo. 5 (CAS No. 12225-21-7), anatase titanium dioxide, rutile titaniumdioxide, and mixed-phase titanium dioxide, whereby the taggant opticalproperties are exhibited.

A17. The method of any of embodiments A13-A15, wherein theidentification fibers exhibiting taggant cross-section shapes or taggantcross-section sizes are produced using distinguishable spinneret holes,each group of the distinguishable spinneret holes being formed byspinneret holes having the same distinguishable spinneret hole geometry,wherein each group of the distinguishable identification fibersexhibiting taggant cross-section shapes or taggant cross-section sizesare produced using a corresponding group of the distinguishablespinneret holes.

A18. The method of embodiment A17, wherein all of the distinguishablespinneret holes are contained in a single spinneret.

A19. The method of any of embodiments A13-A18, wherein theidentification fibers comprise one or more taggant surface markings andthe taggant surface markings are produced using noncontact equipment andwherein the noncontact equipment comprises use of laser, microwave,ultraviolet, x-ray electromagnetic radiation, or printer.

A20. A method for characterizing a fiber sample, wherein the fibersample comprises any of the fibers of embodiments A1-A10 or the acetatetow band of embodiment A11, wherein the method comprises: chemicalanalysis comprising (1) dissolving a portion of the fiber sample in asolvent to produce a sample solution and/or insolubles; (2) analyzingthe sample solution and/or the insoluble to identify the chemicalmarkers; and image analysis comprising (1) applying imaging technologyto the fiber sample, (2) detecting the groups of the distinguishableidentification fibers, and (3) counting a number of each of thedistinguishable identification fibers, wherein an amount of each of thechemical markers, based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as achemical marker amount, wherein at least one of the chemical markeramounts corresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount, wherein thenumber of the identification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count, wherein at least oneof the fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count, and wherein(i) the chemical markers, (ii) the taggant chemical marker amounts,(iii) the distinct features in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers, and (iv) the taggant fiber counts arerepresentative of at least one supply chain component of the fibersample.

A21. The method of embodiment A20, wherein the solvent comprisesacetone, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, methanol, chloroform,dioxane, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl acetate,ethyl acetate, nitric acid or pyridine.

A22. The method of any of embodiments A20 or A21, wherein the analyzingcomprises a use of chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy,nuclear magnetic resonance, or x-ray diffraction.

A23. The method of any of embodiments A20-A22, wherein the analyzingcomprises a use of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionizationdetection, size exclusion chromatography followed by UV-visspectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma(ICP) followed by mass spectrometry, or ICP followed by optical emissionspectrometry.

A24. The method of any of embodiments A20-A23, wherein the imagingtechnology is selected from the group consisting of human visualinspection, microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy,florescence microscopy, and optical scanning.

A25. The method of any of embodiments A20-A24, further comprising, (a)correlating one or more of the chemical markers, the taggant chemicalmarker amounts, the distinct features in each group of distinguishableidentification fibers, and the fiber counts to a database, wherein thedatabase comprises manufacturer-specific taggants; and (b) determiningthe at least one supply chain component of the fiber sample, wherein theat least one supply chain component comprises a manufacturer of thefibers, a manufacture site of the fibers, a manufacturing line of thefibers, a production run of the fibers, a production date of the fibers,a package of the fibers, a warehouse of the fibers, a customer of thefibers, a ship-to location of the fibers, a manufacturer of a fiber bandcomprising the fibers, a manufacturing site of the fiber band, amanufacturing line of the fiber band, a production run of the fiberband, a production date of the fiber band, a package of the fiber band,a warehouse of the fiber band, a customer of the fiber band, or aship-to location of the fiber band.

A26. The method of any of embodiments A20-A24, wherein the fiber samplecomprises the acetate tow band or a filter comprising the acetate towband, wherein the method further comprises, (a) correlating one or moreof the chemical markers, the taggant chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of distinguishable identificationfibers, and the fiber counts to a database, wherein the databasecomprises manufacturer specific taggants; and (b) determining the atleast one supply chain component of the fiber sample, wherein the atleast one supply chain component comprises a manufacturer of the acetatetow band, a manufacture site of the acetate tow band, a manufacturingline of the acetate tow band, a production run of the acetate tow band,a production date of the acetate tow band, a package of the acetate towband, a warehouse of the acetate tow band, a customer of the acetate towband, a ship-to location of the acetate tow band.

A27. The method of embodiment A26, wherein the at least one supply chaincomponent comprises the manufacturer of the acetate tow band and thecustomer of the acetate tow band.

A28. The method of embodiment A26, wherein the at least one supply chaincomponent comprises the manufacturer of the acetate tow band and theship-to location of the acetate tow band.

EXAMPLES

Eastman™ Cellulose Acetate for fibers (CA-394-60S) was obtained fromEastman Chemical Company. Acetone (99.7%) was purchased from J.T. Baker.Cesium(I) nitrate (99.9%), indium(III) chloride tetrahytdrate (97%) &samarium(III) chloride hexahydrate (99%) lauric acid (99%), palmiticacid (98%) and stearic acid (97%) methyl laurate (99%), methyl palmitate(99%), methyl stearate (99%) was purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Lowpolydispersity polystyrene standards with molecular weights of 70,600,28,500 and 2,400 were purchased from Polymer Laboratories LTD. Allmaterials were used as received. A set of alkyl ligated, Cd/Se ZnSalloyed quantum dots, with emission wavelengths of 490λ, 535λ, 575λ,630λ & 665λ were purchased from Sigma Aldrich and sourced fromCytodiagnostics Inc. Each 1 mL sample was received as a 1 mg/mL solutionand kept under refrigeration until use.

In all of the tables below, spike concentration in ppm is calculatedbased upon the measured amounts of chemical marker added to the measuredamount of cellulose acetate. Recovered concentration in ppm is basedupon analytical measurement.

Analytical Methods

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)—Metalconcentrations were measured using an Elan 6100 Inductively CoupledPlasma Mass Spectrometer ICP-MS (Perkin Elmer Corp, Norwalk, Conn.).Sample digestion was performed using an UltraWAVE Single ReactionChamber (SRC) (Milestone, Shelton Conn.) or bulk digestions in HNO₃ on ahotplate. Samples were prepared by weighing ˜0.25 g into a cleanedquartz tube, 4 ml HNO₃ was then added and the tube was capped anddigested using a preprogrammed set of conditions. Bulk digestion wascarried out on a 1 gram film sample, transferred into a 150 mL quartzbeaker to which 10 mL of HNO₃ acid was added and heated on a hot platefor 2 hrs at 200° C. or until the sample had completely digested. Oncedigested the sample was quantitatively transferred to a 100 mLvolumetric flask and diluted with HNO₃. Samples were then quantitativelytransferred to a 25 mL volumetric flask using Millipore water. ARubidium internal standard was added and the samples were analyzed byICP-MS. The ICP-MS was calibrated at 5 part per billion using matrixmatched standards prepared from certified calibration standardspurchased from High Purity Standards (Charleston, S.C.). The calibratedmasses were samarium—151.92, cesium—132.905 and indium—114.904.

Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)—The concentrationof taggant fatty acid in cellulose acetate (CA) was determined via aninternal standard-based, gas chromatography method. A Shimadzu 2010 gaschromatograph with CombiPAL autosampler and flame ionization detector(FID) was utilized; a DB-5 (30 m×0.32 mm×0.25 μm) capillary column wasused. Samples were prepared by weighing ˜0.05 g of tagged CA into a 2 mLglass GC vial; 500 μL of internal standard solution (0.1% (w/v) dodecanein pyridine) was then added to the vial using an eVol digital pipetteequipped with a 500 μL tip. Samples were then heated at 80° C. for tenminutes. After heating, 1.00 mL ofN,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) was added toderivatize the fatty acid taggant. Samples were heated at 80° C. forfive minutes, vortexed, then heated at 80° C. for 25 minutes. Thesamples were subsequently centrifuged at 5,000 rpm for 10 minutes (VWRClinical 200); the supernatant was subsequently transferred to a secondGC vial containing a 300 μL glass insert.

Gel Permeation Chromatography with UV Detection—An Agilent series 1100liquid chromatographic instrument was used. The instrument consists of adegasser, an isocratic pump, an auto-sampler, a column oven, arefractive index detector and a UV/VIS detector. The column setconsisted of Agilent PLgel 5 micron guard, Mixed-C and Oligopore columnsin series. The solvent used to dissolve the samples and as the eluentfor the system was stabilized tetrahydrofuran. The flow rate for thesystem was set at 1.0 ml/min. The auto-sampler used an injection volumeof 50 μl. The column oven was set at 30° C. The refractive indexdetector was set at 30° C. The UV/VIS detector was set at 260 nm fordetection purposes. The instrument was calibrated using a set of 14mono-disperse polystyrene standards ranging from 3,220,000 to 580molecular weight and a 162 molecular weight phenyl hexane.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy—All samples were stored in a dark refrigeratoruntil the spectra were acquired. The fluorescence spectra were collectedusing a Horiba Fluorolog®-3-22 Spectrofluorometer. Samples were placedin quartz fluorescence cells and excited at 295 nm with the emissionrecorded from 200 nm to 800 nm. All slits were set to 1 nm and a 0.1 sintegration time was used. All data is reported normalized by the lampintensity at the time of measurement in CPS/microamps.

Example 1

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of cesium (I) nitrate (0.68mg/mL in cesium), prepared in a 9:1 acetone/water solution, and wasadded to the mixture to give a dope that was 68 ppm in cesium based ontotal solids. The vial was then placed on a continuous roller for aminimum of 16 hours or until a homogenous dope was formed. The dope wasthen poured into labeled culture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in atransparent container with a cover. The solvent was allowed to slowlyevaporate under cover for 5 hrs. The cover was then removed and thesamples allowed to dry further under the draft of the fume hood for 1hr. The samples were then removed from the dishes and submitted forICP-MS analysis. The calculated spiked concentration of cesium, themeasured concentration of cesium and the Recovery calculated as thepercent measured divided by spiked are given in Table 1. All metalconcentrations are based on metal alone.

Examples 2-5

Example 1 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration by a factor of two in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 1.

Example 6

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of indium(III) chloridetetrahydrate (0.39 mg/mL in indium), prepared in a 9:1 acetone/watersolution, and was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 39 ppm inIndium based on total solids. The vial was then placed on a continuousroller for a minimum of 16 hours or until a homogenous dope was formed.The dope was then poured into labeled culture dish bottoms (100 mm×20mm) set in a transparent container with a cover. The solvent was allowedto slowly evaporate under cover for 5 hrs. The cover was then removedand the samples allowed to further dry under the draft of the fume hoodfor 1 hr. The samples were then removed from the dishes and submittedfor ICP-MS analysis. The calculated spiked concentration of indium, themeasured concentration of indium, and the % Recovery calculated as thepercent measured divided by spiked are given in Table 1.

Examples 7-10

Example 6 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration by a factor of two in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 1 including the spiked and recoveredamounts and percent recovery.

Example 11

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of samarium(III) chloridehexahydrate (0.41 mg/mL in samarium), prepared in a 9:1 acetone/watersolution, and was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 41 ppm insamarium based on total solids. The vial was then placed on a continuousroller for a minimum of 16 hours or until a homogenous dope was formed.The dope was then poured into labeled culture dish bottoms (100 mm×20mm) set in a transparent container with a cover. The solvent was allowedto slowly evaporate under cover for 5 hrs. The cover was then removedand the samples allowed to further dry under the draft of the fume hoodfor 1 hr. The samples were then removed from the dishes and submittedfor ICP-MS analysis. The calculated spiked concentration of samarium,the measured concentration of samarium and the % Recovery calculated asthe percent measured divided by spiked are given in Table 1.

Examples 12-15

Example 11 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration by a factor of two in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Examples of Metal Recovered Cellulose Acetate Films SpikedRecovered Example Metal Conc. (ppm) Conc. (ppm) % Recovery 1 Cesium 6854 79 2 Cesium 136 109 80 3 Cesium 204 169 83 4 Cesium 272 265 97 5Cesium 340 285 84 6 Indium 39 30 77 7 Indium 78 65 83 8 Indium 117 96 829 Indium 156 129 83 10 Indium 195 166 85 11 Samarium 41 35 85 12Samarium 82 63 77 13 Samarium 123 96 78 14 Samarium 164 140 85 15Samarium 205 175 85

Example 16

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 300 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of samarium(III) chloridehexahydrate (0.41 mg/mL in samarium) stock solution, 100 μL of a 1.0mg/mL stock solution of cesium(I) nitrate (0.68 mg/mL in cesium) stocksolution and 200 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of indium(III)chloride tetrahydrate (0.39 mg/mL in Indium) was added to the mixture togive a dope that was 123 ppm in samarium, 68 ppm in cesium, and 78 ppmin indium, respectively, based on polymer solids. The vial was thenplaced on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours or until ahomogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured into labeledculture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparent container witha cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporate under cover for 5hrs. The cover was then removed and the samples allowed to further dryunder the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. The samples were then removedfrom the dishes and submitted for ICP-MS analysis. The calculated spikedconcentration of samarium, cesium and indium, the measured concentrationof samarium, cesium and indium, and the Recovery calculated as thepercent measured divided by spiked are given in Table 2.

Examples 17-19

Example 16 was repeated to prepare three additional films with varyingamounts of each metal. The results are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Examples of Cellulose Acetate Films Containing Multiple MetalsSpiked Conc.(ppm) Recovered Conc.(ppm) Example Samarium Cesium IndiumSamarium Cesium Indium 16 123 68 78 107 56 66 17 82 272 117 66 232 10318 41 204 195 33 167 168 19 205 136 156 178 113 140

Examples 16-19 demonstrate that metal salts can be used as chemicaltaggants and that different amounts of the metal salts can be detectedand use in a code for tracking and tracing material through the supplychain.

Example 20

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of lauric acid, prepared inacetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 100 ppm inlauric acid based on total solids. GC analysis of this stock solutionreported the true concentration to be 0.908 g/mL. The vial was thenplaced on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours or until ahomogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured into labeledculture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparent container witha cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporate under cover for 5hrs. The cover was then removed and the samples allowed to dry furtherunder the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. The samples were then removedfrom the dishes and submitted for GC-FID analysis. All samples wereprepared in duplicate. The levels of chemical taggant are reported asthe average value with error bars corresponding to (+/−) one standarddeviation.

Examples 21-24

Example 20 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 3.

Example 25

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of palmitic acid, preparedin acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 100 ppm inpalmitic acid based on total solids. GC analysis of this stock solutionreported the true concentration to be 1.10 g/mL. The vial was thenplaced on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours or until ahomogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured into labeledculture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparent container witha cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporate under cover for 5hrs. The cover was then removed and the samples allowed to dry furtherunder the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. The samples were then removedfrom the dishes and submitted for GC-FID analysis. All samples wereprepared in duplicate and the results are given in Table 3.

Examples 26-29

Example 25 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 3.

Example 30

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of stearic acid, preparedin acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 100 ppm instearic acid based on total solids. GC analysis of this stock solutionreported the true concentration to be 0.888 g/mL. The vial was thenplaced on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours or until ahomogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured into labeledculture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparent container witha cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporate under cover for 5hrs. The cover was then removed and the samples allowed to dry furtherunder the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. The samples were then removedfrom the dishes and submitted for GC-FID analysis. All samples wereprepared in duplicate and the results are given in Table 3.

Examples 31-34

Example 30 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 3 including the spiked and recoveredconcentration of stearic acid and percent recovery.

TABLE 3 Examples of Fatty Acid Spiked Cellulose Acetate Films SpikedDuplicate Samples Fatty Conc. Recovered Recovered Average % Example Acid(ppm) Conc. (ppm) Conc. (ppm) Recovery 20 Lauric 91 71 91 81 21 Lauric182 173 172 86 22 Lauric 272 275 263 90 23 Lauric 363 361 376 92 24Lauric 454 450 464 91 25 Palmitic 110 111 101 106 26 Palmitic 220 212213 106 27 Palmitic 330 337 323 110 28 Palmitic 440 462 424 110 29Palmitic 550 630 536 116 30 Stearic 89 91 100 96 31 Stearic 178 180 233103 32 Stearic 266 270 274 91 33 Stearic 355 365 371 92 34 Stearic 444449 435 88

Examples 35-38

The procedure of Example 20 was repeated to prepare four additionalfilms, comprising varying concentrations of lauric acid, palmitic acid,and stearic acid. The results are summarized in Table 4 including thespiked and recovered concentrations of each fatty acid and percentrecovery.

TABLE 4 Examples of Cellulose Acetate Films Containing Multiple FattyAcids Duplicate Samples Spiked Conc.(ppm) Recovered Conc.(ppm) RecoveredConc.(ppm) Average % Recovery Example Lauric Palmitic Stearic LauricPalmitic Stearic Lauric Palmitic Stearic Lauric Palmitic Stearic 35 182330 444 162 294 385 171 302 413 92 90 90 36 363 330 178 327 286 164 326305 163 90 90 92 37 272 550 89 251 513 90 253 535 91 93 95 102 38 454220 355 425 212 334 478 229 374 99 100 100

Example 39

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of methyl laurate, preparedin acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was 100 ppm inmethyl laurate based on total solids. GC analysis of this stock solutionreported the true concentration to be 1.22 g/mL. The vial was thenplaced on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours or until ahomogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured into labeledculture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparent container witha cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporate under cover for 5hrs. The cover was then removed and the samples allowed to dry furtherunder the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. The samples were then removedfrom the dishes and submitted for GC-FID analysis. All samples wereprepared in duplicate and the results are summarized in Table 5.

Examples 40-43

Example 39 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 5.

Example 44

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of methyl palmitate,prepared in acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was100 ppm in methyl palmitate based on total solids. GC analysis of thisstock solution reported the true concentration to be 1.37 g/mL. The vialwas then placed on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours oruntil a homogenous dope was formed. The dope was then poured intolabeled culture dish bottoms (100 mm×20 mm) set in a transparentcontainer with a cover. The solvent was allowed to slowly evaporateunder cover for 5 hrs. The cover was then removed and the samplesallowed to dry further under the draft of the fume hood for 1 hr. Thesamples were then removed from the dishes and submitted for GC-FIDanalysis. All samples were prepared in duplicate. The results aresummarized in Table 5.

Examples 45-48

Example 44 was repeated to prepare four additional films, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each film. Theresults are summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Examples of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Recovered Film SamplesDuplicate Samples Spiked Recovered Recovered Average Conc. Conc. Conc. %Sample FAME (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Recovery 39 Methyl Laurate 122 95 93 77 40Methyl Laurate 244 173 185 73 41 Methyl Laurate 366 293 277 77 42 MethylLaurate 488 401 390 81 43 Methyl Laurate 610 477 489 79 44 MethylPalmitate 133 108 110 81 45 Methyl Palmitate 266 208 232 82 46 MethylPalmitate 399 334 354 86 47 Methyl Palmitate 532 452 425 82 48 MethylPalmitate 665 553 575 84

The fatty acid methyl ester average percent recovery was lower than whatwas seen in the fatty acids. As only a part of each film was digestedand tested, dope samples were made and tested directly to rule outvariability in concentration throughout the film.

Example 49

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of methyl palmitate,prepared in acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was100 ppm in methyl palmitate based on total solids. GC analysis of thisstock solution reported the true concentration to be 1.33 g/mL. The vialwas then placed on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours oruntil a homogenous dope was formed. The samples were then submitted forGC-FID analysis. All samples were prepared in duplicate and the resultsare summarized in Table 6.

Examples 50-53

Example 49 was repeated to prepare four additional dopes, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each dope. Theresults are summarized in Table 6.

Example 54

A 20 mL scintillation vial was charged with cellulose acetate (1.00 g)followed by HPLC grade acetone (11.38 mL) to give a mixture 10% (w/w) insolids. 100 μL of a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution of methyl stearate,prepared in acetone, was added to the mixture to give a dope that was100 ppm in methyl stearate based on total solids. GC analysis of thisstock solution reported the true concentration to be 1.03 g/mL. The vialwas then placed on a continuous roller for a minimum of 16 hours oruntil a homogenous dope was formed. The samples were then submitted forGC-FID analysis. All samples were prepared in duplicate and the resultsare summarized in Table 6.

Examples 55-58

Example 54 was repeated to prepare four additional dopes, by linearlyincreasing the concentration in increments of 100 ppm in each dope. Theresults are summarized in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Examples of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Recovered Dope SamplesDuplicate Samples Spiked Recovered Recovered Average Conc. Conc. Conc. %Sample FAME (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Recovery 49 Methyl Palmitate 10 7 7 68 50Methyl Palmitate 20 17 15 82 51 Methyl Palmitate 29 31 30 105 52 MethylPalmitate 39 38 39 98 53 Methyl Palmitate 48 48 51 103 54 MethylStearate 10 12 12 121 55 Methyl Stearate 20 20 19 98 56 Methyl Stearate29 27 30 98 57 Methyl Stearate 39 40 40 102 58 Methyl Stearate 48 48 4597

Pilot scale evaluations of methyl laurate, methyl palmitate, and methylstearate were conducted in a similar manner as the fatty acid examplesdescribed below. The recovery of the fatty acid methyl esters was farbelow expectation. Without being bound by any theory, we hypothesizethat the fatty acid methyl esters were poorly compatible with the CApolymer and had a greater affinity for the evaporating acetone duringspinning, despite their relatively high boiling points and low vaporpressures. No further work on the fatty acid methyl esters as chemicalmarkers for inclusion with cellulose acetate was performed.

Pilot Scale Evaluation of Fatty Acids as Chemical Taggants

Fatty acids were used to produce a series of tagged cellulose acetatethreads on pilot plant equipment, each production run made 1,700 denierthreads. The spooled threads, containing known concentrations of eachfatty acid, were then combined in a modular fashion with celluloseacetate threads without any fatty acid, to produce an encoded celluloseacetate tow band having a denier of 34,000. The band of acetate tow wasthen formed into filter rods using industry standard equipment with theaddition of a plasticizer common to the industry.

The taggant threads were made by first preparing a cellulose acetatedope concentrate that contained 907 g of fatty acid, cellulose acetate,a pigment (Copper Phthalocyanine, CAS No. 147-14-8) to aid in trackingof the additive dope through the process and acetone, to create a dopecontaining 28.3% solids. This dope concentrate had a targetconcentration of 51819 ppm in fatty acid. This dope concentrate was thenmetered into virgin cellulose acetate dope through a controlled additivesystem and homogenized using an in-line mixing system. The mixed dopewas then fed through a spinning cabinet and treated with lubricant,familiar to those skilled in the art and the resultant thread collectedonto spools. The system was purged with virgin cellulose acetate dopebefore moving to the subsequent taggant mixture. The targetconcentration of fatty acid in the tagged thread was 4000 ppm.Approximately 15-20 spools of thread were generated during the spinningof a single taggant batch. Three sets of tagged spools were made in thisfashion that contained lauric, palmitic and stearic acids.

Examples 59-109

To ensure uniformity of the taggant concentration along the length ofthe thread, samples were removed from each spool in each set of fattyacid threads and analyzed via GC using FID detection as previousdescribed. The order of the examples does not represent the order inwhich each spool was produced. The results are summarized in Table 7including individual and global taggant averages, standard deviationsand percent relative standard deviations.

TABLE 7 Examples of Fatty Acid Recovered Cellulose Acetate Thread FattyExample Acid Recovered Conc. (ppm) 59 Lauric 4002 Average 4230 60 Lauric3685 STDEV 195 61 Lauric 4249 % RSD 4.61 62 Lauric 4321 % Recovery105.75 63 Lauric 4216 64 Lauric 4444 65 Lauric 4120 66 Lauric 4076 67Lauric 4344 68 Lauric 4513 69 Lauric 4366 70 Lauric 4399 71 Lauric 412972 Lauric 4200 73 Lauric 4277 74 Lauric 4212 75 Lauric 4356 76 Palmitic4455 Average 4215 77 Palmitic 4177 STDEV 236 78 Palmitic 4464 % RSD 5.6079 Palmitic 4424 % Recovery 105.38 80 Palmitic 4442 81 Palmitic 4120 82Palmitic 4010 83 Palmitic 4231 84 Palmitic 4434 85 Palmitic 4430 86Palmitic 4194 87 Palmitic 3700 88 Palmitic  1636* 89 Palmitic 4145 90Palmitic 4197 91 Palmitic 4256 92 Palmitic 3766 93 Stearic 4305 Average4085 94 Stearic 4435 STDEV 166 95 Stearic 4267 % RSD 4.08 96 Stearic4004 % Recovery 102.13 97 Stearic 4102 98 Stearic 3990 99 Stearic 4143100 Stearic 4174 101 Stearic 4077 102 Stearic 4100 103 Stearic 4223 104Stearic 3895 105 Stearic 3910 106 Stearic 4098 107 Stearic 3925 108Stearic 4013 109 Stearic 3777 Global 4151 Average Global STDEV 196Global % RSD 4.72 Global 103.78 % Recovery *Example 88 is believed torepresent an anomaly where system contamination from the previous fattyacid in the mixing system had occurred. This data point was excludedfrom the statistical treatment since this type of error was a result ofa correctable system contamination and not a reflection of the methodreliability.

Tagged spools, in addition to un-tagged spools, were then loaded onto adevice to allow the pilot-scale manufacture of a band of acetate tow.Through the addition or subtraction of a defined number of spools of aparticular taggant type, the final concentration and taggant makeup inthe tow band could be altered. The collected tow band was pressed into abale and subsequently used in the manufacture of the filter rods. Thefilter rods were made on AF2/KDF2 plugmaker at 400 m/min. The filter rodlength was 120 mm and circumference was 24.4 mm. Samples from themanufactured filter rods were prepared for GC analysis in the samemanner as previously described. Each of the examples below representanalysis of a single filter rod from the batch of filter rods produced,taken in no particular order. The code notation for the filter rodsamples correspond to the spike concentration (ppm), in the filter rodand based on the weight of cellulose acetate, of each fatty acid in theorder, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.

Examples 110-127

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 110-127 were 1000-000-000. The results are summarized inTable 8.

TABLE 8 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 1000-000-000) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 110 935 0 0 111 1042 0 0 112 956 0 0 113 926 0 0 1141127 0 0 115 952 0 0 116 1078 0 0 117 969 0 0 118 948 0 0 119 1042 0 0120 1153 0 0 121 1121 0 0 122 1162 0 0 123 1140 0 0 124 1167 0 0 1251177 0 0 126 1174 0 0 127 1128 0 0 Average 1066 0 0 Std. Dev. 92 0 0Average % Recovery 107 N/A N/A

Examples 128-145

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 128-145 were 000-1000-000. Filter rods were prepared in thesame manner as described above. The results are summarized in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 000-1000-000) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 128 0 1083 0 129 0 848 0 130 0 1112 0 131 0 1060 0 1320 813 0 133 0 846 0 134 0 1042 0 135 0 1011 0 136 0 965 0 137 0 903 0138 0 1142 0 139 0 1207 0 140 0 1140 0 141 0 1333 0 142 0 1046 0 143 01123 0 144 0 1028 0 145 0 1114 0 Average 0 1045 0 Std. Dev. 0 130 0Average % Recovery N/A 105 N/A

Examples 146-163

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 146-163 were 000-000-1000. Filter rods were prepared in thesame manner as described above. The results are summarized in Table 10including the spiked and recovered amounts and percent recovery.

TABLE 10 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 000-000-1000) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 146 0 0 966 147 0 0 921 148 0 0 942 149 0 0 1001 150 00 911 151 0 0 965 152 0 0 965 153 0 0 988 154 0 0 923 155 0 0 1089 156 00 1027 157 0 0 1079 158 0 0 1114 159 0 0 961 160 0 0 1002 161 0 0 866162 0 0 1080 163 0 0 959 Average 0 0 987 Std. Dev. 0 0 66 Average %Recovery N/A N/A 99

Examples 164-181

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 164-181 were 600-800-1000. Filter rods were prepared in thesame manner as described above. The results are summarized in Table 11.

TABLE 11 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 600-800-1000) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 164 593 839 1091 165 570 839 1115 166 612 892 1232 167571 896 1271 168 589 868 1253 169 688 995 1312 170 618 802 990 171 563803 1170 172 545 756 984 173 652 962 1440 174 703 1134 1519 175 624 8881325 176 612 792 1120 177 642 811 1017 178 744 1021 1294 179 772 10611393 180 795 1052 1256 181 716 932 1183 Average 645 908 1220 Std. Dev.73 105 147 Average % Recovery 107 113 122

Examples 182-199

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 182-199 were 800-1000-600. Filter rods were prepared in thesame manner as described above. The results are summarized in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 800-1000-600) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 182 858 1025 668 183 859 904 594 184 878 987 590 185854 1081 702 186 773 968 680 187 745 855 604 188 811 914 612 189 8401021 698 190 791 949 640 191 950 1232 858 192 894 1314 851 193 865 1006724 194 974 1014 657 195 783 1011 672 196 897 1049 759 197 825 1029 763198 857 977 665 199 968 1122 687 Average 857 1025 690 Std. Dev. 63 10876 Average % Recovery 107 103 115

Examples 200-217

The spike concentration for lauric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acidin Examples 200-217 were 1000-600-800. Filter rods were prepared in thesame manner as described above. The results are summarized in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Examples of Fatty Acid Encoded Cellulose Acetate Filter Rods(Code 800-1000-600) Recovered Conc. (ppm) Example Lauric Acid PalmiticAcid Stearic Acid 200 897 570 887 201 862 558 840 202 894 616 988 203915 520 851 204 912 624 925 205 891 520 792 206 960 634 972 207 987 6951098 208 941 718 1098 209 1142 723 1173 210 1012 637 858 211 1084 6481059 212 1141 766 1091 213 1074 672 913 214 1051 606 882 215 1085 6841035 216 1158 556 869 217 1198 702 1005 Average 1011 636 963 Std. Dev.105 70 107 Average % Recovery 101 106 120

A series of polyethylene glycols (PEG's) as chemical taggants incellulose acetate were evaluated using size exclusion chromatography asthe method of separation and refractive index (RI) as the method ofdetection. The PEG's ranged in molecular weight from 200 to 20,000.Initial screening showed poor solubility of PEG's greater than 2,000 insolvents suitable for analysis (tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride andhexafluoroisopropanol). Poor resolution of the lower molecular weightPEG fragments using these same solvents. No further work on using PEG'sas a chemical taggant for acetate tow was pursued.

Polystyrenes are soluble in a broad range of solvents; including acetoneand have the advantage of an aromatic side group which allows fordetection via UV-Vis. Detection via UV-Vis simplifies analysis sincecellulose acetate has a low UV response at the selected wavelengths,which makes the cellulose acetate almost invisible. To determine thelinearity of signal intensity with increasing polystyrene concentration,calibration standards in THF were prepared for each polystyrene standardat 20, 30, 40, 50, and 100 ppm. These solutions were analyzed GPC withUV-Vis detection. Within this concentration range, signal intensityincreased in a linear fashion with an increase in concentration with R²values near unity.

Example 218

A cellulose acetate dope containing polystyrene taggant was made byadding 2.0 mL of the respective calibration standard solution to a vialfollowed by enough cellulose acetate powder to provide the desiredconcentration of polystyrene. The vial was then placed on a shakerapparatus and gently agitated for more than 16 hrs. The homogenous dopeswere then then analyzed via GPC with UV detection at 260 nm.

Examples 219-232

Example 218 was repeated to prepare additional dopes, for eachpolystyrene oligomer, by linearly increasing the concentration inincrements of 10 ppm in each dope up to 50 ppm and a terminal sample at100 ppm. The results are summarized in Table 14 including the spiked andrecovered amounts and percent recovery.

TABLE 14 Examples of Polystyrene Spiked Cellulose Acetate Dope SamplesSpiked Duplicate Samples Average Polystyrene Conc. Recovered Recovered %Sample Std. (ppm) Conc. (ppm) Conc. (ppm) Recovery 218  2k 20 19 20 96219  2k 30 28 30 96 220  2k 40 38 40 98 221  2k 50 46 49 94 222  2k 10098 107 102 223 20K 20 21 22 109 224 20K 30 29 30 99 225 20K 40 39 41 100226 20K 50 49 52 101 227 20K 100 97 102 100 228 70k 20 20 22 104 229 70k30 29 31 101 230 70k 40 39 41 100 231 70k 50 49 51 100 232 70k 100 97103 100

Examples 233-235

The procedure of Example 218 was repeated to prepare three additionaldopes, with varying concentrations of all polystyrene standards. Theresults are summarized in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Examples of Polystyrene Oligomer Encoded Cellulose AcetateDopes Duplicate Samples Spiked Conc. (ppm) Recovered Conc. (ppm)Recovered Conc. (ppm) Average % Recovery 2,000 20,000 70,000 2,00020,000 70,000 2,000 20,000 70,000 2,000 20,000 70,000 Example MW MW MWMW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW 233 100 20 50 93 23 53 91 23 52 92 114 106234 20 50 100 16 49 97 17 49 98 83 98 98 235 50 100 20 42 88 20 43 88 2085 88 100

To determine the linearity of signal intensity with increasing alkylatedCd/Se nanocrystals concentration, calibration standards were preparedfor alkylated Cd/Se nanocrystals of each emission wavelength (490, 525,575, 630 & 665 nm) in a solution of 230 mg of cellulose acetate in THF.Solutions were prepared at 10 ppm, 8 ppm, 6 ppm, 4 ppm and 2 ppm suchthat each solution was 5% wt. solids starting from a 100 ppm stocksolutions of each Cd/Se nanocrystal in THF. These solutions were thenanalyzed via fluorescence spectroscopy. Within this concentration range,signal intensity increased in a linear fashion with an increase inconcentration with R² values ranging from 0.95-0.99.

Examples 236-239

A speed mixing cup is charged with 1.0 g of cellulose acetate and 14.46mL of THF. The container is sealed and placed on a continuous rollerovernight to give a homogenous dope. Using the previously prepared 100ppm stock solutions, varying concentrations of 525, 575 and 635 nm Cd/Senanocrystal were then added to the prepared dopes in a manner so thatall samples were 5% wt. in solids. The containers were then sealed andplaced in a speed mixer for 60 sec. at 3500 rpm. The finished dopes werethen transferred to quartz cuvettes for analysis via fluorescencespectroscopy. The results are summarized in Table 16 including thespiked and recovered amounts and percent recovery.

TABLE 16 Examples of Polystyrene Oligomer Encoded Cellulose AcetateDopes Recovered Recovered Conc. (ppm) Conc. (ppm) % Recovery Exam- 525575 665 525 575 665 525 575 665 ple nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm nm 236 12 106 12 13 7 99 134 110 237 6 8 8 6 10 13 103 130 168 238 10 6 8 10 9 9 101142 115 239 8 12 10 8 15 10 96 125 99

Sample Preparation for Fibers—Examples 240 and 241

The fibers were washed with ether solvent to remove the spin finish anddyed red. The fibers were then stretched across a frame and epoxiedtogether to form a rigid rod of encapsulated fibers. The epoxied rod offibers was cut perpendicular to the fiber axis to form a sample of 3micron thickness. The sample was placed endwise on a microscope slidewith cover plate and observed and photographed under a microscope.

Sample Preparation for Filter Rods—Examples 242-255

25 g of Electron Microscopy Sciences® Epo-Fix low viscosity resin with 3g of hardener were mixed together. To the mixture was added 0.5 mL ofdye mixture (14 g of ORCO® Orcocil Red B dye in 760 mL of ethanol). Themixture was stirred slowly until it was homogeneous. A 1.5-mL microcentrifugation tube was filled to ¾ capacity with the epoxy mixture. A10 mm thick specimen from a filter rod was cut and placed on top of theepoxy. The filter was allowed to absorb the epoxy and the tube wasplaced in a tray and left in a controlled laboratory environment for upto 12 hours to allow the epoxy mixture to harden and embed the filterrod specimen. The specimen was removed from the tube by pitching thebottom of the tube with pliers.

The specimen was placed in a vice and a jeweler's saw was used to cutthe specimen to a size suitable for the polishing chuck. The specimenwas polished using the Allied MultiPrep polishing system with thefollowing media and rotation speed sequence.

(1) 600 grit silicon carbide at 200 rpm

(2) 800 grit silicon carbide paper at 125 rpm

(3) Pan-B polishing mat with 6 micron diamond suspension at 100 rpm

(4) Pan-B polishing mat with 3 micron diamond suspension at 75 rpm

(5) Pan-B polishing mat with 1 micron diamond suspension at 50 rpm

(6) Final-A polishing mat with 0.5 micron diamond suspension at 30 rpm

The diamond suspensions were in polycrystalline glycol. After eachpolishing step, the specimen was rinsed with water, dried undernitrogen, and visually inspected using a compound microscope to ensurethat the scratches from the previous step were sufficiently removed.

Image analysis of the polished specimen was generated by the followingtechnique. The polished specimen was placed on an Olympus MZ-130×85motorized microscope stage. Either the 5× or 10× magnification settingwas activated. BX61 STREAM Motion system software was opened. The“Define MIA scanning area with stage” function in the software's“Process Manager” was used to identify the top left and bottom rightcorners of the polished specimen. Each frame was focused as indicated bythe software, the image collection process was run, and the data wassaved. The software can be used to produce a single stitched image ofthe full filter rod cross-section.

Example 240

A cellulose acetate yarn was produced with three different filamentsizes. A single 19-hole spinneret contained the three differently sizedholes. The 7 medium-size holes represented 36.8% of the total number ofspinneret holes. The 6 large size holes were 1.32 times the area of themedium-size holes and represented 31.6% of the spinneret holes. The 6small size holes were 0.67 times the area of the medium-size holes andrepresented 31.6% of the spinneret holes.

The yarn was produced using the above-described spinneret with typicalproduction conditions for acetate yarn. Multiple plies of the yarn werewound to produce a fiber band with several hundred filaments. The sampleof the fibers was prepared according to the sample preparation methoddiscussed above. The areas of 275 individual filament cross-sectionswere measured. The filament areas were grouped into bins to produce afilament area distribution.

The measured filament area distribution was fit with the sum of threeindependent Gaussian distributions using the Solver function inMicrosoft EXCEL. The mean, standard deviation, and a scalar (amplitudefactor) were determined for each of the three Gaussian distributionswith the constraint that the three scalars summed to 1.0. Areameasurements and statistical analysis for the fibers produced from smallsize holes, medium-size holes, and large size holes are given in Table17 under columns labeled 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Pair-wise t-testsshowed that the three Gaussian distributions are significantly differentat the 99% confidence level. For each Gaussian distribution, ‘n’ wastaken to be the corresponding scalar times the total number offilaments. This statistical analysis is summarized in Table 17.

These results show that filaments of different sizes can be producedfrom the same spinneret and can be recognized as significantly differentby routine image analysis.

TABLE 17 Parameters and statistical comparison of optimized Gaussiandistributions for Example 240 1 2 3 Mean 0.587 1.003 1.406 Standard0.094 0.092 0.099 Deviation Scalar 0.364 0.335 0.301 ‘n’ = scalar × 275100 92 82 Statistical #2 - #1 #3 - #2 #3 - #1 comparison t-statistic31.07 27.60 56.75 Degrees of 190 172 180 freedom t-critical, 95% 1.971.97 1.97 t-critical, 99% 2.60 2.60 2.60

Example 241

A cellulose acetate yarn was produced using a 19 hole spinneret withtriangle, circle, and square holes. FIG. 1(a) gives a photomicrographshowing the cross-section shapes of the fibers.

Example 242

Taggant spinnerets were manufactured with the same hole pattern and holesize as is typically used to produce an acetate tow item with a nominal3.0 filament denier and 32,000 total denier. Each taggant spinneret had20 round holes and 20 square holes with the remaining holes all beingtriangles as typically used to make tri-lobal or “Y” cross sectionfibers. One taggant spinneret was installed on an acetate tow productionline to produce a nominal 3.0 filament denier and 32,000 total denierband which corresponds to 11,160 filaments. The number of spinneretholes with taggant cross-section shapes and total number of spinneretholes is given in Table 18. The tow was produced, conditioned, and baledusing standard manufacturing conditions.

Filter rods were produced from the tow on an AF4/KDF4 plug maker at atape speed of 600 m/m. The rod length was 120 mm. The combined weight ofthe paper and glue was 91 mg/rod, and the plasticizer weight was 44mg/rod. Table 19 shows the average tow weight, pressure drop, andcircumference, as well as the standard deviation, for 30 filter rods ofeach Example. FIG. 1(b) shows a stitched image of a full filter rodcross-section with an expanded region; the filter rod was made withacetate tow from Example 242. All 40 taggant fibers were counted in thefilter rod.

TABLE 18 The number of each of two taggant cross-section shapes in eachExample Taggant Number of holes Example spinnerets Round Square TriangleTotal 242 1 20 20 11,120 11,160 243 2 40 40 11,080 11,160 244 3 60 6011,040 11,160 245 4 80 80 11,000 11,160 246 5 100 100 10,960 11,160 2476 120 120 10,920 11,160 248 7 140 140 10,880 11,160 249 8 160 160 10,84011,160 250 0 0 0 11,160 11,160

TABLE 19 Properties of filter rods comprising identification fibersPressure Drop, Tow Weight, MG mm w.g. Circumference, mm Std. Std. Std.Sample Average Dev. Average Dev. Average Dev. 242 550.6 5.5 316.5 6.424.27 0.04 243 554.8 4.5 316.5 5.6 24.28 0.05 244 555.1 7.0 317.7 7.224.28 0.04 245 558.4 5.7 314.3 5.9 24.29 0.03 246 552.6 5.9 315.1 7.124.29 0.05 247 550.5 5.2 315.6 6.1 24.28 0.04 248 556.2 6.5 318.9 6.224.29 0.04 249 553.3 4.9 311.5 5.2 24.29 0.03 250 552.8 5.3 320.0 7.224.28 0.04 Average 553.8 316.2 24.28 Std. 2.6 2.5 0.01 Dev.

Examples 243-250

Example 242 was repeated using the number of taggant spinnerets andcorresponding number of holes as given in Table 18. Example 250 used notaggant spinnerets. The number of taggant fibers were also counted in afilter rod made from Example 243 and all of the expected taggant fiberswere detected.

The average weight, pressure drop, and circumference of the filter rodsmade using the acetate tow from each of the examples is given in Table19. The average weight and pressure drop for each of the 9 Examples arewithin two-sigma of the grand averages which indicates that inclusion ofthe identification fibers produced using round and square spinneretholes did not have a statistically significant effect on the measuredrod properties.

Example 251

An acetate yarn sample was produced with a single spinneret having 19flattened round holes. The taggant yarn sample was wound onto a package.The yarn sample was withdrawn from its package and fed into a tow bandprior to crimping. The cellulose acetate tow was a typical commercial,“Y” cross section tow item with a nominal 3.0 filament denier and 32,000total denier.

The tow sample with the taggant yarn was produced, conditioned, andbaled using the same manufacturing conditions as normally used for thetow item. Filter rods were produced from the tow on an AF4/KDF4 plugmaker at a tape speed of 600 m/m. The rod length was 120 mm. Thecombined weight of the paper and glue was 91 mg/rod, and the plasticizerweight was 44 mg/rod.

A sample of a filter rod from each Example was prepared for analysis bythe analytical procedure described above. All 19 taggant filamentsincluded in the tow band were identified in the sample.

Examples 252-255

Example 251 was repeated using hexagon, pentagon, “D”, and circle shapedspinneret holes, respectively. The yarns of Example 16 were dyed red.All 19 taggant filaments included in each tow band were identified inthe sample of the corresponding filter rod.

Examples 251-255 show the ability to insert taggant yarns with differentcross-section shapes into a tow band and successfully identify thetaggant yarns in a filter rod.

Example 256

Two sets of forty polypropylene/polypropylene multicomponent fibers wereproduced wherein each multicomponent fiber comprised 19 islands in thesea. In the first set, the polypropylene of the islands were dyed bluewhile the polypropylene of the sea was undyed. In the second set, thepolypropylene of the sea was dyed blue while the polypropylene of theislands were undyed. The islands were readily counted in eachmulticomponent fiber of both sets. The multicomponent fibers were drawndown in size and incorporated into an acetate tow band under normalconditions for producing acetate tow.

Filter rods were produced from the acetate tow band incorporating themulticomponent fibers. The multicomponent fibers were detected andcounted (40) in both the acetate tow band and in the filter rod. Initialattempts to count the islands in the multicomponent fibers of theacetate tow band and filter rod were unsuccessful.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. It will be understood that variations andmodifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of thedisclosed embodiments. It is further intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for characterizing a fiber sample wherein thefiber sample comprises fibers, wherein the fibers compriseidentification fibers, wherein a portion of the identification fiberscomprise 1 to 100 chemical markers, and wherein a portion of theidentification fibers exhibit at least one distinct feature, wherein theidentification fibers comprise of one or more groups of distinguishableidentification fibers, each group of the distinguishable identificationfibers being formed by the identification fibers having the samedistinct feature or a same combination of the distinct features andwherein the method comprises: chemical analysis comprising (1)dissolving a portion of the fiber sample in a solvent to produce asample solution and/or insolubles; and (2) analyzing the sample solutionand/or the insolubles to identify the chemical markers; and imageanalysis comprising (1) applying imaging technology to the fiber sample,(2) detecting the groups of the distinguishable identification fibers,and (3) determining a number of each of the distinguishableidentification fibers, wherein an amount of each of the chemicalmarkers, based on a weight of the fibers, is defined as a chemicalmarker amount, wherein at least one of the chemical marker amountscorresponds to a taggant chemical marker amount, wherein the number ofthe identification fibers in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers is defined as a fiber count, wherein at least oneof the fiber counts corresponds to a taggant fiber count, and wherein(i) the chemical markers, (ii) the taggant chemical marker amounts,(iii) the distinct features in each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers, and (iv) the taggant fiber counts arerepresentative of at least one supply chain component of the fibersample.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fibers further comprisestandard fibers.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the chemical markerscomprise one or more taggant non-volatile organic compounds, one or moretaggant photoluminescent materials, one or more taggant polymericadditives, one or more taggant carbohydrates, one or more taggant metaloxides, one or more taggant inorganic salts, a number of the taggantchemical marker amounts for each of the chemical markers ranges from 1to 20, the distinct features comprise one or more taggant cross-sectionshapes, one or more taggant cross-section sizes, one or more taggantoptical properties, or one or more taggant surface markings, and anumber of the taggant fiber counts for each group of the distinguishableidentification fibers ranges from 1 to
 10. 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the chemical markers comprise 1 to 50 taggant non-volatileorganic compounds or 1 to 50 taggant polymeric additives, wherein anumber of the taggant chemical marker amounts for each of the chemicalmarkers ranges from 1 to 10 wherein of the distinct features comprise 1to 20 taggant cross-section shapes, 1 to 20 taggant cross-section sizes,or 1 to 20 taggant optical properties, and a number of the taggant fibercounts for each group of the distinguishable identification fibersranges from 1 to
 5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the taggantnonvolatile organic compounds comprise fatty acids, wherein the fattyacids comprise lauric acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid.
 6. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the taggant polymeric additives comprisepolystyrene having an average molecular weight of 500 to 100,000.
 7. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the identification fibers comprise referencefibers, wherein the reference fibers exhibit a reference cross-sectionsize and a reference cross-section shape, wherein a ratio of each of thetaggant cross-section sizes to the reference cross-section size rangesfrom 20:1 to 1:20, and wherein the reference cross-section size and thetaggant cross-section sizes are determined based upon an effectivediameter.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification fiberscomprise acrylic, modacrylic, aramid, nylon, polyester, polypropylene,rayon, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene, PTFE, or cellulose acetate. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the identification fibers comprisecellulose acetate.
 10. The method of claim 3, wherein a portion of theidentification fibers comprise a compound selected from the groupconsisting of compound CAS No. 84632-65-5, Copper Phthalocyanine (CASNo. 147-14-8), FD&C Yellow Lake No. 5 (CAS No. 12225-21-7), anatasetitanium dioxide, rutile titanium dioxide, and mixed-phase titaniumdioxide, whereby the taggant optical properties are exhibited.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein one or more of the distinct features varyalong a length of one or more of the identification fibers.
 12. Themethod of claim 3, wherein one or more of the surface markings comprisephysical scoring, surface modification, or printing ink.
 13. The methodof claim 1, wherein the solvent comprises acetone, tetrahydrofuran,dichloromethane, methanol, chloroform, dioxane, N,N-dimethylformamide,dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitric acid orpyridine.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyzing comprises ause of mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, orx-ray diffraction.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the analyzingcomprises a use of chromatography.
 16. The method of claim 1, whereinthe analyzing comprises a use of gas chromatography coupled to flameionization detection, size exclusion chromatography followed by UV-visspectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma(ICP) followed by mass spectrometry, or ICP followed by optical emissionspectrometry.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging technologyis selected from the group consisting of human visual inspection,microscopy, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, fluorescencemicroscopy, and optical scanning.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein theimaging technology is applied transverse to the length of the fibers.19. The method of claim 1, further comprising, (a) correlating one ormore of the chemical markers, the taggant chemical marker amounts, thedistinct features in each group of distinguishable identificationfibers, and the fiber counts to a database, wherein the databasecomprises manufacturer specific taggants; and (b) determining the atleast one supply chain component of the fiber sample, wherein the atleast one supply chain component comprises a manufacturer of the fibers,a manufacture site of the fibers, a manufacturing line of the fibers, aproduction run of the fibers, a production date of the fibers, a packageof the fibers, a warehouse of the fibers, a customer of the fibers, aship-to location of the fibers, a manufacturer of a fiber bandcomprising the fibers, a manufacturing site of the fiber band, amanufacturing line of the fiber band, a production run of the fiberband, a production date of the fiber band, a package of the fiber band,a warehouse of the fiber band, a customer of the fiber band, or aship-to location of the fiber band.
 20. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising, (a) correlating one or more of the chemical markers, thetaggant chemical marker amounts, the distinct features in each group ofdistinguishable identification fibers, and the fiber counts to adatabase, wherein the database comprises manufacturer specific taggants;and (b) determining the at least one supply chain component of the fibersample, wherein the at least one supply chain component comprises amanufacturer of the standard fibers, a manufacture site of the standardfibers, a manufacturing line of the standard fibers, a production run ofthe standard fibers, a production date of the standard fibers, a packageof the standard fibers, a warehouse of the standard fibers, a customerof the standard fibers, a ship-to location of the standard fibers, amanufacturer of a fiber band comprising the fibers, a manufacturing siteof the fiber band, a manufacturing line of the fiber band, a productionrun of the fiber band, a production date of the fiber band, a package ofthe fiber band, a warehouse of the fiber band, a customer of the fiberband, or a ship-to location of the fiber band.
 21. The method of claim20, wherein the at least one supply chain component comprises themanufacturer of the standard fibers or the fiber band comprising thefibers and the customer of the standard fibers or the fiber band. 22.The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one supply chain componentcomprises the manufacturer of the standard fibers or a fiber bandcomprising the fibers and the ship-to location of the standard fibers orthe fiber band.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the fiber samplecomprises a portion of a filter rod or a portion of a cigarette filter.24. The method of claim 21, wherein the fiber sample comprises a portionof fabrics or other textile products, non-wovens, or absorbent products.